VAC Mentorship Programs Volunteer Signup

Become a mentor with the Volunteer Action Center!

Undergraduate students at the U of A are encouraged to apply for mentorship programs with the Volunteer Action Center. These three programs partner with various schools and community centers across Northwest Arkansas to help develop young students through facilitated one-on-one and group mentorship activities. A description of each program and their volunteer application can be found below:

Be B.O.L.D. pairs U of A student mentors with middle school boys from J.O. Middle School to develop mentorship relationships. Each month, Be B.O.L.D. hosts two "Hang Time" sessions at J.O. Kelly. Our mentors meet with their mentees to offer unique programming focused on education, communication and encouragement. Prior to our Hang Times, mentors meet to plan and discuss activities and ways to engage with their mentees and the community. Apply to be part of Be B.O.L.D.

Dream B.I.G. is a student-led mentoring program that matches college-aged women with middle school girls to facilitate lasting relationships meant to encourage growth and community. Like the Be. B.O.L.D. program, Dream B.I.G. partners with J.O. Kelly Middle School in Springdale, Arkansas. The program consists of monthly "Brave Girl" sessions that focus on identity development through community support, cultural awareness and one-of-a-kind programming.

Passionate About Literacy, or P.A.L., is a student-led mentoring program focusing on growing a passion for reading in elementary students through meaningful mentorship relationships with college-aged students. Our mentorship relationships are fostered at four locations throughout Northwest Arkansas: the Fayetteville Public Library, the Yvonne Richardson Community Center, Jones Elementary and Knapp Elementary. We hope to encourage growth in literacy among these students through facilitated reading activities led by mentors who strive to empower a love of reading for future generations. Apply to be part of P.A.L.

Deadlines to Apply

For more information regarding any of the mentoring programs, visit volunteer.uark.edu. Applications for P.A.L. will close on Aug. 25, and applications for Dream B.I.G. and Be B.O.L.D. will close at the end of September.