Volunteer With Communities In Schools of Central Texas
Spring 2026 Volunteer Opportunities Are Now Open!
Communities In Schools is excited to welcome volunteers who want to make a lasting impact. Your support helps create safe, supportive, and empowering spaces where students can thrive.
Because mentoring relationships are built on consistency, placements occur in scheduled cycles rather than rolling admissions. Each volunteer commits to a minimum of 8 weeks.
Explore our opportunities and sign up for the roles that inspire you using the links below.
To stay informed about future opportunities, email volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org to join our Interest List.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Browse our current volunteer roles and choose the opportunity that’s right for you.
Reading Buddy
Students who are not reading on grade level by third grade are significantly more likely to struggle academically and may be at greater risk of not graduating. Reading Buddies play a key role in changing that trajectory by providing students with extra support, encouragement, and one-on-one attention.
As a Reading Buddy, you’ll help students:
- Strengthen their literacy skills
- Build confidence in their abilities
- Develop a lifelong love of reading
In addition to reading together, you’ll serve as a positive, consistent presence in a child’s life—acting as both a mentor and a caring adult they can trust. This supportive relationship helps create a foundation for academic and personal success.
Type: In-person, on a school campus
Commitment: 30–60 minutes once a week, for the full academic year
Math Buddy
Math can be a challenging subject for many students, often leading to frustration and decreased confidence in their academic abilities. Math Buddies help change that by offering consistent, encouraging support that makes math more approachable and less intimidating.
As a Math Buddy, you’ll:
- Reinforce foundational math concepts
- Help students connect previous learning to new material
- Foster confidence and build problem-solving skills
In addition to academic support, Math Buddies serve as caring mentors—providing students with a safe, consistent relationship that supports both their personal and academic growth.
Type: In-person, on a school campus
Commitment: 30–45 minutes once a week, for the full academic year
Mentorship
Mentors serve as caring, consistent role models for elementary, middle, and high school students. This volunteer role is centered on building a trusting relationship that supports the student’s personal growth, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Each session is guided by the student’s interests and needs. Depending on grade level, activities may include:
- Getting to know one another
- Playing games or doing arts and crafts
- Talking through challenges
- Exploring future goals and career interests
- Simply being a safe and supportive presence
Mentors help students feel seen, heard, and valued—making a lasting impact through connection and encouragement.
Type: In-person, on a school campus
Commitment: 30–45 minutes once a week, for the full academic year
Service-Learning Volunteer
Service-Learning Volunteers are university students completing volunteer hours to meet a class requirement. These students contribute meaningfully to our mission by serving in a variety of roles based on their interests and campus needs. Each volunteer is supported throughout their experience by a CIS Program Manager.
Volunteer roles may include:
- Reading Buddy
- Math Buddy
- Mentor
- Administrative and Campus-Wide Support
All opportunities take place in person at an ISD campus served by Communities In Schools.
We value our strong partnerships with Central Texas universities and are grateful for the support service-learning volunteers provide to our students and schools.
To get started, please complete the Service-Learning Volunteer Application below.
For questions or follow-up, contact:
One-Time Volunteer
One-time volunteers play a vital role in helping us create meaningful and engaging experiences for students and school communities. These opportunities are perfect for individuals or groups looking to support our mission in a flexible, short-term way.
Examples of one-time volunteer opportunities include:
- Serving as a guest speaker
- Participating in a campus beautification project
- Hosting a college or career tour
- Assisting the Basic Needs Department with organizing and sorting supplies
- Supporting seasonal events and donation drives
Events vary in time commitment, location, and type of involvement. If you’re interested in getting involved, please complete the one-time volunteer interest form below.
In-Kind Drive
Join our community of support by organizing an In-Kind Drive to benefit CIS students and alumni. Whether you’re assembling kits or collecting essential items, your contribution helps provide students with the tools they need to thrive in school and in life.
Interested in hosting a drive? Let us know by completing the interest form below.
Explore the flyers linked below for detailed instructions on how to host an In-Kind Drive. Popular drive themes include:
- Arts & Crafts Kits
- Book Drive
- College Dorm Essentials Drive
- Comfort Kits
- Hygiene Drive
- Test Survival Kits
Thank you for helping us support students across Central Texas!
CIS Volunteer Onboarding Timeline for the 2025-2026 School Year:
The Spring 2026 Application opens December 1
Please email volunteer@ciscentraltexas.org to join our Volunteer Interest List!
Spring Semester: Volunteer applications open Now – February 20, placement January – February.
Spring Volunteer Application Open! Apply today! All volunteers must apply and be placed by February 20th to ensure enough time for you to engage with your students throughout the semester.
After applying, volunteer applicants are invited to complete a virtual onboarding process, schedule a screening conversation and complete a criminal background check. Then, a campus-based CIS Program Manager will reach out to provide an orientation before you meet with a student.
We encourage year-long (or longer) commitments! We have seen some truly beautiful & impactful long-standing mentor-mentee relationships.
Become a CIS Volunteer — It’s Easy!
Getting started with Communities In Schools is simple. Follow these five quick steps and you’ll be ready to support students in no time.
Step 1: Apply to Volunteer
Submit your volunteer application online — it only takes a few minutes.
Step 2: Review the Volunteer Training Handbook
Learn what to expect and how we support students across our campuses.
Step 3: Schedule a 15-Minute Screening Call
A quick conversation to ensure a great match between your interests and our programs.
Step 4: Complete the District Background Check
Each school district requires its own check. We’ll guide you through the process.
Step 5: Connect With Your Program Manager
Once everything is cleared, a CIS Program Manager will reach out with your start date and next steps.
That’s it — five easy steps to make a meaningful impact.
Volunteering with CIS is simple, supportive, and designed to fit your schedule. We’re excited to welcome you into our community of caring adults who help students stay in school and achieve in life.
- Submit your volunteer application and agree to our policies and procedures
- Review the Volunteer Training Handbook (sent via email after your application is submitted)
- Schedule a 15-minute screening call with our team
- Undergo and pass a criminal background check
- 18 years of age or older
- Comfortable working with youth from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to commit volunteering weekly for the 2025-26 school year
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