One Person Can Make A Difference.  YOU Can Make A Difference.

In a time of unprecedented change to public education, we know that one thing remains unchanged - the power of one - the power of one volunteer, one mentor or one caring adult to make a difference in the life of one child.

Gaston County Schools’ volunteers donate countless hours helping children.  They contribute their time, talents and resources offering academic support, serving on school committees, advising student organizations and assisting with special events and programs.

Volunteers enhance the educational program - they help our children gain self-esteem, improve reading and math skills and become successful in school and life.  Volunteers may donate their time to serve as a mentor, tutor, reading buddy, lunch buddy, test proctor, field trip monitor, do clerical work, assist in the library or help in some other way.

Examples of volunteer opportunities in our schools:

Mentor - serve as positive role models for a student one-hour a week by talking with, encouraging and building a trusting relationship with the student.  Mentors help with homework, offer advice on college and career plans and provide positive support.

Tutor - work one-on-one or with small groups of students on classroom or homework assignments and with reading.

Junior Achievement - assist in classroom instruction programs on economics, personal finance and business entrepreneurship.  Volunteers usually come from the business community.

Reading Soul Mates - donate time each week through the Gaston Literacy Council to help a child or a group of children improve reading skills.

Clerical Support - assist the administration, teachers and office staff with copying materials, answering phones, data input and greeting visitors, etc.

Volunteers are needed and welcomed at all 55 schools.  Adults wishing to help Gaston County students improve achievement should contact their school principal for more information on volunteer opportunities.

An on-line application and screening is required to volunteer in Gaston County Schools.  The application is available at www.gastonschoolvolunteers.com.

Volunteer Orientation

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Just complete the online volunteer application. Once your volunteer application is approved, you will receive an e-mail requesting that you attend a Volunteer Orientation session. Volunteer Orientation sessions will be held weekly at the Gaston County Schools Central Office, 943 Osceola St., Gastonia, N.C. Sessions last approximately 20 minutes. Dates for orientations are posted monthly. A reservation is not required to attend an orientation.

Mentor Training Sessions

*A one hour training session is required for volunteers in the mentoring program. For information or to reserve a seat for training contact the GCS Business Partnership Office at 704-866-6329 or email businesspartnerships@gaston.k12.nc.us