JCC Youth Literacy Corps

Work alongside other community organizations to teach and mentor young children through reading! A collaboration of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston and the Jewish Community Relations Council TELEM Teen Initiative, the JCC Youth Literacy Corps partners with a local school or youth center, where we read aloud with young children one day a week after school. Discussion and reflection sessions give us a chance to learn about the root causes of certain social issues and find ways to make a difference. 

JCC Youth Literacy Corps flyer
JCC Youth Literacy Corps Volunteer Application and Parent Consent 

Please contact teens@jccgb.org or 617-558-6512 with any questions or for further information.

What is the JCC Youth Literacy Corps?

The JCC Youth Literacy Corps is a youth social justice program of the JCCs of Greater Boston in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council TELEM Teen Initiative. The Corps offers high school students the opportunity to join a community-wide effort to improve literacy, particularly among disadvantaged children in local neighborhoods. At the same time, Corps members make friends and connect to other young people who are interested in repairing the world.

What does the Corps do?

Corps members give individual attention to children in the program in order to help improve their reading, writing and language skills. Teens mostly read aloud to the children and do hands-on activities.

What is the time commitment?

We visit the sites one afternoon per week, after school. Reading periods last about one hour, and transportation can take up to 45 minutes each day. The year is divided into three sessions (Fall, Winter and Spring) so there is flexibility for volunteers’ other commitments and interests.

Once you decide to join the Youth Literacy Corps, please remember that you have made a commitment. The children will be looking forward to your visits. If you need to miss a session, you will need to communicate with the staff. Repeated absences may result in re-evaluation of your eligibility to participate in the program.

What is the schedule for the year?

How do we get to the sites?

Transportation is available from Newton South, Needham, and Lexington High Schools. You will be accompanied by a JCC staff person on the bus and at the school where you volunteer.

If you do not attend one of these schools but are interested in volunteering, please contact the JCC’s Teen Programs office, teens@jccgb.org or 617-558-6512.

Is there training?

Training is provided for all participants prior to the start of your volunteer work. Orientation and training will include learning some innovative ways of getting children interested in reading, some hands-on activities to do with them, and acquiring books that are appropriate for students. The books will be available at the sites.

What do participants say about the program?

I just wanted to thank you for a truly great year with Literacy Corps. I helped the girls and boys improve their reading skills, but I didn’t anticipate that they would also teach me so much. I'm looking forward to continuing with the group next year!  -Juliana

Thank you so much for an amazing year. It truly was an incredibly rewarding experience. –Adam

I have learned that while we do help the students with their reading, our influence extends beyond the classroom. We became their role models. All of the kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Medford see us dedicate a few hours out of our week because we believe in the importance of literacy, and in the value of giving back to our community. A few weeks ago, one of the older girls at the Boys and Girls Club came up to us and asked us if she could volunteer as a reading buddy too. It is my hope that all of them, like this girl, are taking these lessons to heart. In this way, we are truly making a difference. –Hannah

I have never enjoyed community service this much before. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and Literacy has confirmed that for me. – Kelsey

How do I apply?

Complete the JCC Youth Literacy Corps Volunteer Application and Parent Consent and return to the JCC Teen Programs Manager via email at teens@jccgb.org with YOUTH LITERACY VOLUNTEER in the subject line of your email, or by fax to 617-969-5115.

Applications are due:

How can I get my school involved?

Please contact the JCC Teen Programs Manager, teens@jccgb.org or 617-558-6512 and we’ll take it from there!