Interested students can volunteer in the Lakeland community. Volunteer USFP promotes and encourages community involvement to increase the civic and moral development of our students. Volunteer opportunities exist with the following agencies. If you are a community agency and would like your information listed here, please contact studentlife@poly.usf.edu.
Volunteer Resource Center of Polk County
The VRC is available for students and agencies to provide a centralized method for volunteer opportunities in Polk County. You can find multiple volunteer opportunities by searching the database.
YMCA Reads
USF Polytechnic and the YMCA of West Central Florida have partnered to promote YMCA Reads! Volunteers are needed weekly from 3:00-3:45 pm to help a child build their literacy skills. This ongoing commitment can help our 1st and 2nd graders prepare for the FCAT. To volunteer, contact Dorene Walter at 863.859.7769 or dorene.walter@ymcawcf.org.
Special Friends
Special Friends is a community-based mentoring program for children at risk for abuse and/or neglect. It serves children who are ages 3 to 17 and live in Polk County. Mentors must be at least 21 , pass background checks, and be drug free. Training and support is provided by the program. For more information, contact Mandy Lang at 863.904.3024 or mlang@gcjfs.org.
Rath Senior ConNEXTions and Education Center
USF Polytechnic's Rath Center is looking for instructors for its Senior Scholars program. Classes are geared for senior adults ages 50+ and range from one to two hours one day a week for four to six weeks. You can pick and choose your topic and time you want to teach the class. Topics can include computer classes, life-long writing, creative writing, book club, or arts and crafts. To volunteer, call the Rath Center at 863.533.5925.
Noah's Ark of Central Florida
Noah's Ark is a not-for-profit organization founded by parents of people with developmental disabilities. Noah's Ark is committed to empowering individuals who have developmental disabilities by advocating on their behalf and by providing or facilitating meaningful employment, recreational and social opportunities and affordable housing choices. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Noah's Ark. You can help with special events, teach a class, organize an outing, help with fund-raising or simply become a friend. For more information visit their website or call 863.687.0804.
Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc.
The Center for Independent Living (CIL) has served families in Central Florida since 1976. CIL, in partnership with the community, promotes personal rights and responsibilities among people with disabilities and strives to eliminate architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers. For more information, contact Oceana Sanchez, Community Relations Specialist at 407.623.1070, ext. 3119 or osanchez@cilorlando.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Volunteer to be a Big Brother or Big Sister with a child in the community. You can volunteer at a local school for one hour a week or volunteer in the community with a child three or four times a month. To apply to be a Big Brother or Big Sister visit their website.