Virtual Learning Partner Program
Serve local families, work for equity and use your skills
Help fill the gap for elementary-aged students displaced from in-person learning due to the pandemic. Build a one-to-one relationship and help a K-5 student overcome barriers they're facing during virtual learning.
The Virtual Learning Partner (VLP) program is a partnership between W&M and Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) Public Schools. The program is a community-engaged initiative that connects W&M students to WJCC families to meet the growing need for academic and social-emotional support services for K-5 students displaced from in-person learning due to the current pandemic.
Goal
We aim to provide W&M students with a unique experiential learning opportunity to serve their local community by providing WJCC elementary students with individualized support for their remote learning experiences (i.e., homework assistance, academic tutoring, social-emotional support).
About the Program
Virtual Learning Partners will be trained to meet the individualized and immediate needs of students in remote learning environments, then will be matched to elementary students recommended by WJCC teachers. Students will be supported and supervised by School of Education faculty and staff, with an emphasis on professional development, reflective practice and accommodating the unique needs of K-5 learners. All undergraduate students and all School of Education (undergraduate and graduate) students are eligible to apply.
An advisory board made up of student leaders will convene regularly to discuss program development, shape the structure and demands placed on volunteers, and address challenges. We are working to provide an opportunity for participants to take a credit-bearing extension course in January.
Commitment for W&M students
By joining the program, W&M students agree to:
- Complete trainings during September to prepare to effectively serve their protégés
- Continue involvement for the duration of the program (October 5 – November 20, 2020)
- Meet with assigned protégé for at least 1 hour a week
- Document hours served and provide a written reflection of the experience
- Attend periodic check-in meetings with a team of supervisors, as well as professional development trainings, as needed
Apply
Sign up to get involved in the program through GivePulse, the William & Mary Office of Community Engagement's platform for volunteer opportunities.
Questions?
Contact us at [[virtuallearning]].
