BUILDing Bridges

“[The most important thing I learned from BUILD is] that there are people out there that really want to help you.” – Miriam V., BUILD student

In an ideal society, every young person would have the same opportunities. It’s the gap between this admirable notion and the harsh reality that BUILD aims to fill. However, we don’t have the money or resources to help every student. That’s where you come in.

Volunteering

A Few Hours Can Impact an Entire Life

Your extra time is crucial to our students. For only a few hours a week, you can be the volunteer they need to be inspired, to gain self-confidence, to realize their potential. Please help us in our important mission. Contact Sandie Stringfellow at sstringfellow@build.org to become a proud BUILD volunteer.

Can You Teach? Be an Academic Mentor

We need tutors for a variety of subjects including Science, Math, English, Spanish and History. As you assist students in maintaining an adequate GPA, you prepare them to attain their goal – to go to college. It all takes place at our structured homework center.

Commitment: 1 - 2 hours/week
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM–M, Tu, W, or Th, January 2006 to June 2006
Location: BUILD office

For more information, contact Sarah Bloem, Academic Program Manager, at sbloem@build.org.

Make it Easier to Complete Scholarship Applications

Scholarship applications can be challenging. Your knowledge can help students to write scholarship essays, create resumes, and complete applications. A little of your time can make a big impact.

Commitment: 1.5 hours/week
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM M, Tu, W, or Th, January 2006 to May 2006
Location: BUILD Office
Sign up!

For more information, contact BUILD's College Counselor, Lisa Carr at lmcarr@sbcglobal.net.

Share Your Expertise: Be a Guest Speaker

Share your knowledge and expertise with our eager-to-learn students. Example topics include "The Importance of Team Work" and "Financial Statements." BUILD can provide supplemental materials if needed.

Commitment: 1-2 hours
Time: between 9 AM -4 PM
Location: BUILD Partner High Schools

Raise Awareness: Host a Fundraising Event

Use your creativity and party-planning skills to host a BUILD fundraiser. We need volunteers to host fundraising cocktail parties, wine-tastings, or dinner events in their homes. These events help raise awareness for BUILD's expanding programs. BUILD can assist with all aspects of planning this event, from bringing student guest speakers to providing supplemental organizational materials.

Commitment: Flexible
Time: Flexible
Location: You choose

Share Your Office: Host an Event

We need large conference or office space in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, or Oakland, where students can practice their business plan presentations. Events are held in the evening (approx 5:00 - 7:00 PM) for students and their mentors (40-50 attendees).

Commitment: 1 - 2 hours
Time: Events are held in February, March, April and May
Location: East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, and Oakland areas

Help Us in the Office

We always need more help with general administrative support, such as filing, mailings, data entry, and organizing electronic files. Your time allows us to devote more of our staff to student activities.

Commitment: Flexible, drop-in or continuous
Time: Flexible
Location: BUILD office

Bring Our Students on a Business Field Trip

It’s extremely valuable for students to see firsthand the inner-workings of the business world. Bring some BUILD students to your business or organization. For just a few hours of your time, students get to experience how a real-world business is run.

Commitment: 1 - 2 hours
Time: Flexible
Location: Varies

Be Our Partner in Filling Our Wish List

In-kind donations greatly supplement other forms of support. With your gift, we can get much-needed classroom supplies, office equipment and supplies, gift certificates, incentive prizes for students, and food for evening classes and special events.