Needs From: Volunteer Houston

Each year, new groups of refugees arrive in Houston from all over the world, and many of those we serve have only been in the United States a few months. One of our biggest challenges in recruiting youth to commit to our programs is the language barrier and lack of English comprehension of both students and parents. PAIR is looking for bilingual volunteers who may assist staff in translating while trying to recruit refugees to participate in program, speak with parents, and complete paperwork throughout the year. Translator services would not be required daily but may be needed while recruiting participants. This is usually done weekday evenings or weekend mornings. Occasionally, services would also be needed while presenting program to refugee communities, filling out surveys and paperwork, and other instances throughout the year. This opportunity would allow the volunteer to engage with Houston's refugee community, improve translation abilities, strengthen a parent's involvement in their child's education, and open possibilities of mentoring a student.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly!

PAIR’s Global Leaders is a weekly program for high school aged refugee students. Mentors help students explore a variety of topics, including careers, post-high school education and vocational options, academic planning, SAT preparation, college essay writing, community service, job interview skills, and resume writing. Students develop personal goals and educational plans, participate in community-building projects, and develop leadership skills. Global Leaders works to increase students’ understanding of career options and the value of higher education. Volunteer mentors will engage students in a lesson or activity, help students work homework, or provide assistance as students apply to colleges.

Volunteering with the Leaders program requires a semester-long commitment of 10 program sessions.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly!

PAIR operates Global Learners programs in three middle schools with significant refugee populations. PAIR volunteer mentors engage students by providing supportive relationships, homework assistance, English language practice, and recreational and creative activities.

Sessions take place after school, 4-6PM. Each session begins with outside games, homework help, and sharing time to transition from the school day. Mentors then break off with a small group of students to work on a lesson or activity centered around a particular theme. Global Learners assists participants in developing more positive attitudes towards school, achieving greater academic success, developing more positive relationships with peers and adults, and continuing their education through high school and beyond.

Volunteering with the Learners program requires a semester-long commitment of 10 program sessions.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly!

PAIR operates Global Learners programs in three middle schools with significant refugee populations. PAIR volunteer mentors engage students by providing supportive relationships, homework assistance, English language practice, and recreational and creative activities.

Sessions take place after school, 3:15-5:30 PM. Each session begins with outside games, homework help, and sharing time to transition from the school day. Mentors then break off with a small group of students to work on a lesson or activity centered around a particular theme. Global Learners assists participants in developing more positive attitudes towards school, achieving greater academic success, developing more positive relationships with peers and adults, and continuing their education through high school and beyond.

Volunteering with the Learners program requires a semester-long commitment of 10 program sessions.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly!

PAIR’s Global Leaders is a weekly program for high school aged refugee students. Mentors help students explore a variety of topics, including careers, post-high school education and vocational options, academic planning, SAT preparation, college essay writing, community service, job interview skills, and resume writing. Students develop personal goals and educational plans, participate in community-building projects, and develop leadership skills. Global Leaders works to increase students’ understanding of career options and the value of higher education. Volunteer mentors will engage students in a lesson or activity, help students with homework, or provide assistance as students apply to colleges. Training will be provided.

Volunteering with the Leaders program requires a semester-long commitment of 10 program sessions, generally one 2-hour session per week. Opportunities are available Monday - Thursday afternoons.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly! 

Join our Field Trip Team, where members assist program staff in showing students interesting and educational sites around the city: museums, career and college fairs, nature centers, plays, sporting events, and more. Team members commit to chaperoning two organized field trips a semester.

Please apply through our website (http://www.pairhouston.org/vol-app/) ASAP as spots run out quickly!

Help make a difference in the lives of refugee kids! This AmeriCorps VISTA position focuses on building PAIR's capacity in serving over 300 refugee students annually through educational mentoring programs! PAIR programs are currently at 6 different sites in Houston, including a community-based program. Applicants should possess a solid understanding of or strong interest in learning about refugee issues, the refugee
experience, and PAIR’s mission and programs. Since 2007, PAIR has worked to empower middle school and high school refugee students to navigate American society, reach their academic potential, and become community leaders. This project offers a VISTA a unique opportunity to be part of a growing and dynamic organization. Join the PAIR team and help make a substantial impact in our Houston community.

As the Resource Developer VISTA, you will engage in activities including special event support, fund development, and monitoring and evaluation practices.The Resource Development VISTA will work closely with the Executive Director and other PAIR staff to expand and diversify agency funding and to increase the involvement of the local community in PAIR’s mission and programs. Additionally, the VISTA will assist in research of funding opportunities including government, foundation, corporate and individual prospects to help focus fundraising efforts and outreach.

Apply online at https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=80250&fromSearch=true

Work with the community and help make a difference in the lives of refugee kids! This AmeriCorps VISTA position focuses on building PAIR's capacity in serving over 300 refugee students annually through educational mentoring programs! PAIR programs are currently at 6 different sites in Houston, including a
community-based program. Applicants should possess a solid understanding of or strong interest in learning about refugee issues, the refugee experience, and PAIR’s mission and programs. Since 2007, PAIR has worked to empower middle school and high school refugee students to navigate American society, reach their academic potential, and become community leaders. This project offers a VISTA a unique opportunity to be
part of a growing and dynamic organization. Join the PAIR team and help make a substantial impact in our Houston community.

As a VISTA, you will engage in activities including PAIR events, community events and other external engagements. As the Community Outreach VISTA, you will also be responsible for the physical or electronic creation of promotional materials, management of the PAIR social media, online newsletter & website content, as well as, volunteer and donor engagement. The Community Outreach VISTA will work closely with PAIR staff to enhance community engagement and support the mission to empower refugee youth.

Apply online at https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=80242&fromSearch=true

Volunteers will participate in individual mentoring weekly at Las Americas Newcomer School and Jane Long Academy. Activities include: homework help, building language skills and improving social skills.

All interested persons must apply at https://www.pairhouston.org/volunteer-index-impact 

Global Learners Middle School Program

Global Learners promotes English language acquisition, builds social and emotional skills, and fosters academic success for refugee youth. Mentors meet with students in small groups, providing guidance and leadership in curriculum activities.

Global Leaders High School Program

Global Leaders builds leadership, social and academic skills necessary for high school graduation and college. Global Leaders explore opportunities for their future and develop life skills necessary to attain higher education and employment for refugee youth. Mentors meet with students in small groups, providing guidance and leadership in curriculum activities.

All interested persons must apply at https://www.pairhouston.org/volunteer-index-impact

Volunteers will participate in individual mentoring weekly for middle schools at Las Americas Newcomer School and Jane Long Academy. Activities include: homework help, building language skills and improving social skills.

All interested persons must apply at https://www.pairhouston.org/volunteer-index-impact 

This volunteer mentor position is to help Houston refugee youth graduate from high school, explore careers, and apply for post-secondary education opportunities. Mentors must be 24+, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to dedicate 6 hours per month to their mentee. 

In this community-based program, volunteers are paired with students in 11th or 12th grade of high school. Each mentor commits to supporting and guiding a young refugee for a period of at least one year to help the student develop and reach their personal, academic, and career potential. Program dates run from September 1st, 2021 to August 31st, 2022.

Students in the Global Scholars program receive case management services from PAIR staff and assigned mentors, and focus on activities that include researching careers, applying for college, writing personal statements, completing financial aid and scholarship applications, and transitioning to college life.

All interested persons must apply at: https://www.pairhouston.org/global-scholars-volunteer-application

Volunteer Opportunity: Mentor & Tutor Refugee Middle School Students (DYAD Program)

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Mondays or Wednesdays, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers for our DYAD program, a newly launched initiative providing one-on-one mentorship and tutoring to refugee and newcomer middle school students. Volunteers will help students develop their English language skills, build confidence, and succeed academically.

We are currently looking for 2-3 volunteers per day at the following locations:

Volunteer Opportunity: Mentor & Tutor Refugee High School Students

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Varies by program (see below)

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers to support refugee and newcomer high school students through academic tutoring, mentorship, and social development activities. Volunteers will provide guidance to help students adjust to their new environment, strengthen their English skills, and succeed in school.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following high-need programs:

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers to support refugee and newcomer high school and middle school students through academic tutoring, mentorship, and social development activities. Volunteers will provide guidance to help students adjust to their new environment, strengthen their English skills, and succeed in school.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following high-need programs:

Monday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School

Tuesday/ Thursday (3:30 pm– 5:30pm): Westside High School

Tuesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Revere Middle School, Etoile Middle School, Wisdom High School

Wednesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School, Wisdom High School

Thursday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Wisdom High School, Liberty High School, Welch Middle School, Revere Middle School

Volunteer Requirements:

✔️ 18 years or older
✔️ Driver’s license or access to transportation
✔️ Willing to submit to a background check

By volunteering with PAIR, you’ll play a vital role in providing refugee students with the academic support and mentorship they need to thrive. No prior teaching experience is required—just a commitment to making a difference!