Opportunity Details

Bridge the digital divide and transform lives in your community.

Digital First Steps connects volunteers with the skills to teach basic digital literacy to underserved populations facing technological barriers. As a volunteer instructor or coach, you'll guide participants—including refugees, low-income individuals, rural residents, and displaced persons—through essential digital skills that many of us take for granted but are critical gateways to economic and social participation.

This opportunity allows you to make an immediate, tangible impact in your community by helping people navigate the increasingly digital demands of modern life. Your guidance enables participants to access vital services, pursue employment opportunities, connect with loved ones, and engage more fully in society.

Our program makes volunteering accessible and impactful:

Flexible teaching options - Lead group classes or provide one-on-one coaching
Mixed format - Volunteer in-person at community sites or virtually through our platform
Structured curriculum - Access our comprehensive teaching materials and lesson plans
Supportive community - Join a network of volunteers and staff dedicated to digital inclusion
Visible results - Witness participants achieve real-world outcomes like applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, or connecting with family

Our participants come from diverse backgrounds but share common barriers to digital participation. Many have never used a computer before, while others have limited experience but need support with specific applications or services. All are motivated to develop skills that will improve their quality of life and expand their opportunities. No specialized technical expertise is required to volunteer—just patience, clear communication, and basic digital proficiency.

Skills & Interests
Skills Needed:
Basic digital literacy and comfort with technology
Clear communication and instructional abilities
Patience and ability to explain concepts simply
Cultural sensitivity and empathy
Reliability and consistency

Volunteer Shift Information
This opportunity offers multiple ways to contribute based on your availability and preferences:

Teaching Options:
Group Classes: Lead structured sessions on core digital skills
One-on-One Coaching: Provide personalized guidance tailored to specific needs
Computer Lab Assistance: Support participants during open practice sessions
Special Workshops: Facilitate focused sessions on topics like online job applications or telehealth

Time Commitment Options:
Weekly Instructor: 2-3 hours weekly for 6-8 weeks
Drop-in Coach: Flexible 2-4 hour shifts based on your availability
Virtual Mentor: 1-2 hours weekly providing remote assistance
One-Time Workshop Leader: Single 2-3 hour sessions on specialized topics

Volunteers can choose to serve at our community-based locations (libraries, community centers, shelters, schools) or virtually through our digital platform.
Impact of Your Volunteering

In today's society, digital skills are no longer optional—they're essential for accessing services, finding employment, continuing education, and maintaining social connections. Nearly one-third of U.S. adults lack the basic digital skills necessary to fully participate in modern life.

Your volunteering directly enables participants to:
Apply for jobs and expand employment opportunities
Access critical services like healthcare, housing, and public benefits
Connect with family members through email and video calls
Support their children's education through digital engagement
Manage finances through online banking and financial tools
Develop confidence navigating an increasingly digital world

Our program has helped thousands of individuals overcome technological barriers. As one recent participant shared: "Before these classes, I was afraid to touch a computer. Now I have an email address, I've applied for three jobs online, and I can video chat with my grandchildren. I feel like I've rejoined the world."

Opportunity Details

Make a life-changing difference from anywhere in the world.

Language Connect for Ukraine is an innovative digital platform connecting Ukrainian individuals displaced by war with volunteer language partners worldwide. As a volunteer, you'll provide essential conversational practice in English, German, French, Spanish, or other languages through one-on-one virtual sessions.

This opportunity offers more than language practice—it creates meaningful human connections during a time of profound displacement and uncertainty. Your conversations help participants develop crucial language skills needed for integration, employment, healthcare access, and daily life in new communities.

Our streamlined platform makes volunteering remarkably simple:
Ultra-flexible scheduling - Set your own availability and adjust it anytime
No minimum commitment - Even one hour makes a real difference
Virtual format - Connect from anywhere with internet access
Guided approach - Access conversation starters and supportive resources
Immediate impact - See tangible progress in your language partner's confidence and abilities

Many of our participants are professionals, students, and families who have been displaced from their homes and careers. Your support helps them rebuild their lives and regain a sense of connection and normalcy. No teaching experience or Ukrainian language knowledge is required—just a willingness to converse naturally and supportively.

Opportunity Details

We have many positions available in the US and Atlantic Canada. Fundraising, application checkers, foster coordinators, adoption coordinators, transporting dogs, foster families, and more!

Opportunity Details

Volunteer with Sheffield Futures: Help Local Young People Today!

Do you have a knack for numbers and analysis? Sheffield Futures is seeking skilled volunteers who can help us manage and interpret data to measure our impact. By analysing trends, preparing reports, and providing insights, you'll enable us to make informed decisions and continue improving the lives of young people in Sheffield.

Skills Needed:
Strong data analysis and reporting experience
Proficiency in Excel, Google Sheets, or other data tools
Ability to translate data into actionable insights

Sheffield Futures is a charity based in the Heart of the City that has supported local young people for 30 years. We support 11-25 year olds with mental health and wellbeing, careers advice, education and guidance and employability.

Why Volunteer with Sheffield Futures?

Make a Direct Impact: Your time and skills will have a direct impact on improving the lives of young people in Sheffield.
Flexible Volunteering: We offer virtual and in-person opportunities, making it easy to volunteer in a way that suits you.

If you feel you can help, we would love to hear from you! Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a difference. Together, we can help young people thrive and reach their full potential.

Opportunity Details

This interactive session supports Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholars in navigating the world of internships—from maximizing current experiences to discovering new opportunities. Scholars will gain actionable strategies to set goals, build their network, and translate internships into career growth. For those still seeking experience, we’ll spotlight accessible programs and share smart application tactics, especially for first- and second-year students.

Audience:
Bright Minds, Bold Futures Scholars
Optional Volunteers
–
Key Learning Objectives:
1. Make the Most of an Internship
Define clear learning & networking goals
Build relationships and secure mentors
Track / notate your impact (for resumes, interviews, grad apps)
Turn an internship into a future return offer

2. For Students Without an Internship Yet
Where to apply:

Federal & Government Programs
NASA Internships (rolling deadlines): intern.nasa.gov
Department of Energy (DOE) – SULI, CCI, and other programs
National Labs (Argonne, Fermilab, Sandia)

Startups & Tech Companies (Often More Flexible)
Handshake & AngelList (look for internships with “rolling” or “still hiring” tags)

Smaller/local tech firms in Chicago (mHUB & 1871)

University Research
Email professors at your school or others with a quick intro + resume

Ask about REU status (Research Experiences for Undergrads) or unfilled lab positions – sometimes spots open due to student withdrawals

Locally-focused, smaller companies
KDM Engineering, Burns & McDonnell, Milhouse, Will Group, HBK, RWE, Lipscomb


3. Build Internship Readiness
What employers really look for in early-career candidates
Resume/LinkedIn tips,,,,,,,, tailored to tech/engineering
Using AI tools (ChatGPT, LinkedIn Copilot) to refine applications and prep for interviews


Volunteer Roles:
During the session:
Professionals to provide insight re: the technical side of engineering internships.

Individuals to recount experiences from their career, re: maximizing internships and translating that into career opportunities.

Post-session:
Resume/LinkedIn Reviewers: Offer tailored, constructive feedback in breakout sessions Lead additional small groups / pods focused on searching, applying, or networking

Session Format (60):
5 mins: Check-in and temperature check on Spring Semester
10 mins: Internship insights presentation
10 mins: Optional Volunteer Engagement
15 mins: Open Q&A + resource share
10 mins: Final takeaways and feedback

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Group Session	3	n/a	n/a
Resume & LinkedIn Review	10	n/a	n/a

Opportunity Details

Established in 2014, The Knowledge House (TKH) is a national workforce development nonprofit preparing overlooked talent for high-growth careers in tech. Starting in the South Bronx, TKH has expanded its programs to Newark, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. Even after graduating, TKH offers wraparound support services to its alumni and fellows. Come help us to support the next generation of tech talent!

The Innovation Fellowship (IF) supplies adult learners with in-demand technology skills in cyber security, data science, and web development. This year-long program has fellows complete portfolio projects, and obtain technical certifications.

We are looking for 45 volunteers to join us for a 2-hour technical mock interview session. As a volunteer, you’ll work one-on-one with fellows to evaluate fellows’ cyber security, data science, or web development skills. During this event, volunteers will use pre-made questions to examine how fellows apply problem-solving skills in a simulated interview environment. Volunteer feedback is essential to teaching the fellows where they can improve, and prepare them for future opportunities.

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Technical Mock Interviewer	45	n/a	n/a

Opportunity Details

Established in 2014, The Knowledge House (TKH) is a national workforce development nonprofit preparing overlooked talent for high-growth careers in tech. Starting in the South Bronx, TKH has expanded its programs to Newark, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. Even after graduating, TKH offers wraparound support services to its alumni and fellows. Come help us to support the next generation of tech talent!

The Innovation Fellowship (IF) supplies adult learners with in-demand technology skills in cyber security, data science, and web development. This year-long program has fellows complete portfolio projects, and obtain technical certifications.

We are looking for 21 volunteers to join us for a 2-hour portfolio review session. As a volunteer, you’ll work one-on-one with fellows to evaluate fellows’ cyber security, data science, or web development skills. During this virtual event, volunteers will examine a fellow’s capstone project and offer constructive feedback on how to improve it. You will provide valuable insights into the strengths of the project and suggest areas for refinement, helping fellows enhance their work and prepare for future opportunities. Feedback will be essential in guiding them toward creating a polished, professional portfolio that showcases their skills effectively.

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Portfolio Reviewer	21	n/a	n/a

Opportunity Details

Established in 2014, The Knowledge House (TKH) is a national workforce development nonprofit preparing overlooked talent for high-growth careers in tech. Starting in the South Bronx, TKH has expanded its programs to Newark, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. Even after graduating, TKH offers wraparound support services to its alumni and fellows. Come help us to support the next generation of tech talent!

The Innovation Fellowship (IF) supplies adult learners with in-demand technology skills in cyber security, data science, and web development. This year-long program has fellows complete portfolio projects, and obtain technical certifications.

We are looking for 45 volunteers to join us for a 2-hour technical mock interview session. As a volunteer, you’ll take the role of a real-world interviewer to help our fellows refine their technical skills. During this event, volunteers will use code questions to examine how fellows apply problem-solving skills in a simulated interview environment. Volunteers will provide constructive feedback on where the fellows can improve. This exercise highlights areas for growth while providing a supportive space for experimentation and learning.

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Mock Interviewer	45	n/a	n/a

Opportunity Details

Established in 2014, The Knowledge House (TKH) is a national workforce development nonprofit preparing overlooked talent for high-growth careers in tech. Starting in the South Bronx, TKH has expanded its programs to Newark, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. Even after graduating, TKH offers wraparound support services to its alumni and fellows. Come help us to support the next generation of tech talent!

The Innovation Fellowship (IF) supplies adult learners with in-demand technology skills in cyber security, data science, and web development. This year-long program has fellows complete portfolio projects, and obtain technical certifications.

We are looking for 3 volunteers to join us for a 2-hour speaking session, who can represent our three tracks (cyber security, data science, web development). The speakers will be split into separate breakout rooms to talk to fellows who are studying the same track. As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to participate as a speaker in our AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions, where you’ll share your career insights and success strategies with learners. You’ll help them understand how project management principles apply across different roles and industries, offering real-world advice and guidance.

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Speaker	3	n/a	n/a

Opportunity Details

Established in 2014, The Knowledge House (TKH) is a national workforce development nonprofit preparing overlooked talent for high-growth careers in tech. Starting in the South Bronx, TKH has expanded its programs to Newark, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. Even after graduating, TKH offers wraparound support services to its alumni and fellows. Come help us to support the next generation of tech talent!

The Karim Kharbouch Coding Fellowship (KKCF) provides high-school students with paid opportunities to develop employable skills in STEM. This program is free, and offers participants a stipend during their summer instruction.

We are looking for one volunteer to lead a 1-hour workshop. One volunteer will guide fellows in writing a compelling personal essay, cover letter, and/or personal statement. Fellows will be able to strengthen their communication skills by framing their journey in industry-accepted language. This workshop will help develop a strong personal narrative that the fellows can share with future employers.

Available Shifts

Shift Name	Signup Max	Start	End
Volunteer	2	n/a	n/a