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Volunteer in Paradise

Volunteer in Paradise (VIP), an award-winning program that invites members of the community to support students by providing one-on-one and small-group tutoring in reading and math, cultivates respectful and meaningful relationships to support high expectations and a culture of growth.

VIPs partner with teachers, who have nominated students, to provide reading and math instruction. Students in the program receive in-person or virtual academic support from dedicated VIP tutors during the school day or after school. These VIPs, who make a meaningful difference in a child’s education, receive a minimum of eight hours of training. They also foster positive relationships and act as caring adult role models.

Become a VIP Today!

Do you have a passion for giving back? Are you interested in helping students succeed? If so, the Volunteer in Paradise program is for you. Training and support if provided.

PVSchools is looking for dedicated, high-quality volunteers who are seeking meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Volunteer tutors, proven to make an impact on academic achievement, are needed in all subject areas from kindergarten through 8th grade. 

Our volunteers;

  • Work one-on-one or with small groups of students with the goal of increasing their academic achievement.
  • Serve as caring adult role models.
  • Receive professional training to prepare for working in a classroom.
  • Develop a supportive working relationship with teachers.
  • Become part of the school community.
  • Meet new friends through continuing education seminars and socials.

Requirements:

  • Volunteer at least one day per week with a predetermined schedule.
  • Work up to 10 hours per week during school hours.
  • Commit to the entire academic school year ending in May.
  • Complete a fingerprint background check.
  • Attend a volunteer orientation and two half-days of professional training.

Sign up today for one of the monthly orientations to get started.

Sign Up for Volunteer Orientation

Achieving the Points of Light certification signifies that VIP has the capability and management expertise to strategically use volunteers to improve the performance of the organization. VIP joins the top 11 percent of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance, making PVSchools the only school district with a program in Arizona to hold this prestigious distinction. The rigorous process took 12 months to complete, and entailed partnering with Arizona State University's Lodestar Center, which provided coaching and training to the VIP Administrator and the Leadership Team. VIP will be up for recertification in 2024.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

VIP in the News

Share the Love by Joining VIP

Read about how a husband and wife couple strengthen their bond through VIP.

Daily Point of Light Awarded to VIP Cathy McKeever

Read about Cathy McKeever's Point of Light Award for her support of PVSchools students and teachers.

Ready to grow its impact, Volunteer in Paradise turned to the Service Enterprise Initiative

Read the Service Enterprise Initiative-featured article on Arizona State University's Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation website.

Volunteer in Paradise Goes Virtual to Support PVSchools Teachers and Students

Read the article on AZEDNEWS.

Volunteers in Paradise College Corps - Partnership with PVCC

Read the Cronkite News article.

VIP

 

Start Making a Difference! Contact Volunteers in Paradise

If you would like to learn more, please contact Marisha Geraghty, VIP Specialist, at (602) 449-2053.

Points Of Light Seal
Points of Light awarded the Volunteer in Paradise program a Service Enterprise certification in 2021. Joining the top 11% of nonprofits nationwide in volunteer management and organizational performance, VIP is the only school district program in Arizona to hold this prestigious distinction.

Golden Bell Promise Programs Award Winner

Arizona School Boards Association

Volunteer in Paradise received the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) Golden Bell Promise Programs Award for Excellence during in 2017. The Golden Bell Promise Award recognizes school programs throughout Arizona that have shown outstanding successes in student growth.

Learn More

First Place Magna Award

National School Boards Association

The Magna Awards recognize school districts and their leaders who take bold and innovative steps to improve the lives of their students and their communities. An independent panel of school board members, administrators and other educators selected the winners from nearly 250 submissions, and the presentation was made at NSBA's Annual Conference in Nashville. The VIP program earned a First Place Magna Award in 2015.