Volunteer Program Overview
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The Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) program began in 1972. Each year, there are approximately 40,000 volunteers in our schools. In previous years, the hours donated by the community represented approximately $25 million worth of services to Palm Beach County District schools. What cannot be measured is the intrinsic value of the services volunteers bring to the students. The encouragement, patience, and boost in self-esteem are immeasurable and critically important to students.
This community support means that thousands of students have received the individual attention so vitally needed to help them find success. Hundreds of teachers have been offered that “extra pair of hands,” which is very much appreciated.
Any person interested in becoming a school volunteer can contact the volunteer coordinator at the desired school. There is a volunteer coordinator at each school center who will be happy to meet with the volunteer.
Volunteers will be asked to complete a volunteer application listing their skills, interests, preferred location, grade level, and type of volunteer service desired. The volunteer coordinator will provide volunteer orientation and any training necessary for the volunteer assignment. The volunteer has the opportunity to select the day and time that they are available to volunteer, and the school will try to work with that schedule.If additional assistance is needed, please contact the volunteer coordinator at the desired school.