FIRN is a small nonprofit in Howard County that helps all foreign-born, providing core services of immigration counseling, information and referral, employment counseling, and interpreting/translation services. FIRM also conducts 2 ESL programs: one for adults and one for ESOL students in the Howard County public school system known as Club LEAP, which is seeking college volunteers to work in Howard County schools.
Dates: October to May (3 8-week sessions)
Times: Directly after school (from 2:30-5:00 depending on school dismissal times).
Service Commitment: Each tutor is required to commit to a minimum of one 8-week session, for 3 hours per week (1.5 hours twice a week in most schools).
Activities: Tutors work in small groups assisting ESOL students gain proficiency in speaking and comprehension. FIRN provides training and support throughout the school year.
For more information, visit the FIRN website to download a Volunteer Application and Reference form. You will then be contacted for an interview and invited to tutor training, which will be held on Wednesday September 9, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm at FIRN's Columbia office. For more information, please contact Catherine Chen Hester at 410.992.1923 x28 or chester@firnonline.org
UMBC Students who commit to volunteering with FIRN’s Club Leap may be eligible for a Service-Learning Practicum notation through The Shriver Center. Contact a Service-Learning Program Coordinator at 410.455.2493 for more information.