Volunteer
If you would like to donate your time and expertise to help promote minority achievement, there are many ways to get involved.
Mentors
Mentors guide students through the college admission process, providing one-on-one assistance that is tailored to individual needs. Mentors receive intensive training to help students search for colleges, fill out applications, complete financial aid forms, and stay on track with deadlines.
The consistent attention and encouragement that mentors provide is critically important in helping students believe that college is a real and attainable option for them. The mentor’s enthusiasm and gentle prodding can make all the difference for students who are uncertain about their prospects. The qualities that make a great mentor include patience, persistence, and the ability to relate to students from varied backgrounds.
Essay coaches
Essay coaches help students develop the personal statements required for college admission. Coaches brainstorm essay topics with students and provide the direction and feedback needed to produce concise yet compelling essays.
While many of our essay coaches are professional writers and editors, a writing background is not required. We welcome anyone who has the willingness and desire to encourage reluctant writers and motivate them to do their best work.
All coaches participate in hands-on training and periodic refresher workshops where they learn proven strategies and techniques to assist students in drafting, revising, editing and polishing their college application essays. Experienced coaches also provide peer mentoring for new coaches.
Office volunteers and interns
Office volunteers provide assistance with varied tasks such as mailings, event planning and publicity, program coordination, database management, and social media updates. Supervision and training to perform these tasks are provided as needed.
MHS students and recent grads: Learn how you can join our team!
Mini IMANI volunteers
IMANI Reading Circles run on the volunteer steam of parents. Please consider volunteering as a parent facilitator or driver. Read more
- Parent facilitators assist with book discussions by encouraging students to perform their assigned roles and contribute their thoughts. While the facilitator keeps the conversation moving, the teacher assesses comprehension and determines whether students need additional support or enrichment. Training is provided for parent facilitators.
- Drivers share the responsibility of carpooling to transport children to and from book club meetings.
Need community service hours or a part-time job to build your resume?
When you intern at IMANI, you will play a key role in meeting the needs of the students we serve and raising awareness of the services we provide. In addition, you will learn valuable skills that will help prepare you for future employment opportunities. We offer two kinds of internships:
- Unpaid internships help you fulfill your school’s community service requirement. You will be expected to commit to working a certain number of hours a week. As an office intern, your work supports our mission to help close the achievement gap in the Montclair Public Schools. You will also be a role model for IMANI students who will look to you for advice and information about our programs and services.
- Paid internships are offered primarily to recent MHS grads or college students seeking part-time employment. We make an effort to match your responsibilities with your skills, interests, and experience. We also try to help you develop new areas of expertise that may enhance your skill set and resume.