Senator James Welch

Role: Mentor

Senator James Welch has been volunteering and connecting with students at various schools for over 5 years.

I am a mentor at: Various Springfield Schools such as Liberty, Glenwood, Rebecca Johnson, Dorman and Lincoln to name a few.

I am a: MA State Senator

I have been a Springfield School Volunteer Mentor for: Over 5 years

I became a mentor because: I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community.

By volunteering I have learned: I’ve learned that as the mentor, you get back far more than you ever put in.

My favorite thing about mentoring is: Interacting and learning about the kids… and how positive they are.

Why should another caring person in the community join you as a mentor? It’s fun. It’s needed. It’s rewarding!

Alexa Smith2021-07-01T13:39:04-04:00June 25, 2021|

Volunteer Opportunities

Just one hour a week can make a difference in the life of a young student. Volunteers encourage students and inspire them to reach their potential.

All Opportunities

Mentors at Central High School

Program: Mentoring | Openings: 5 | Location: Central High School

Small Group Mentoring at Harris

Program: Mentoring | Openings: 5 | Location: Harris Elementary

R.E.A.L Read Aloud at Indian Orchard

Program: Read Aloud | Openings: 2 | Location: Indian Orchard Elementary

Latest News from SSV

Springfield School Volunteers Receives National Certification

Springfield School Volunteers (SSV) is pleased to announce that it has been certified by Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, as a Service Enterprise!

SSV Offers Free Remote Summer Literacy Program

Springfield School Volunteers (SSV) has recently announced the addition of its new Summer Virtual Book Club program.

SSV offers free online Summer Read Aloud for Springfield Families

Local authors to read their books online for Springfield Public Schools children.

When Match Closure Is Beyond Your Control

Volunteers and students alike are being affected by COVID-19, here is what SSV is doing to support you.

All News Archive

Volunteer Spotlight

Kevin West

Role: Library Assistant and Math Tutor

Kevin has been volunteering with SSV for over 6 months, connecting with students and teachers alike.

Name: Kevin West
I am a: Library Assistant and Math Tutor Van Sickle Middle School.
I have been a Springfield School Volunteer for: 6 months.
I became a Library Assistant and Tutor because: An article I read on MassLive.com indicated Van Sickle Middle School only had a 56 percent graduation rate. I wondered, what happens to the other 44 percent? I thought I could help Van Sickle Middle School by volunteering and looked for available positions on the Springfield School Volunteers website.
By being a Library Assistant and Tutor I have learned: Children will only go as far as we take them. As an African-American male I see certain children gravitate towards me and I know my presence matters. I’ve learned that my actions and interactions with the students and teachers can have a profound and continuing effect.
My favorite thing about mentoring/tutoring is: As simple as seeing the smiles on students faces. If they’re happy, I’m happy!

See all volunteer spotlights here

“Thank you very much. I just wanted to say that helping in our schools has truly been a life changing event for me. I should be paying them for letting me help.”

– Don Dorn, Jr., Volunteer at Samuel Bowles School

Don Dorn, Jr., Volunteer at Samuel Bowles School

“I have been participating in the Read Aloud Program for the past 10 years and had planned to make this my last year, but my experience was so heartwarming and I loved every minute of [it.] I am anxious to return next month.”

– Marjorie Hurst, Volunteer

Marjorie Hurst, Volunteer

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Senator James Welch