Reading does not stop in the summer. Click Here to Volunteer This Summer

Help a student build confidence as a reader and in themselves.

No teaching background needed. We provide training, materials, and support. You just bring the consistency that changes things.

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"

The best part is seeing the kids every week and genuinely seeing them improve on their reading and feel more confident every week!

Maya M., community volunteer, Fairwood Elementary

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Summer 2026

Join us for our summer sessions.

Students need reading support beyond the school year. If your schedule opens up in the summer, there is a place for you.

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What getting started looks like

1
Submit app here →

The application covers the basics. Once submitted, our team will be in touch to confirm your information.

2

All community volunteers are screened before working with a student. The specific steps depend on your school placement. We will contact you with exactly what to do for your district. For most placements, we cover the cost.

3

Before your first session, you will go through a volunteer orientation. You will learn how the program works, how to use the reading materials, and who to call with questions.

4

Once you are cleared and trained, you are matched with a student and a school. From there, the work is weekly and consistent.

What volunteering looks like, and what you can expect from us.

  • 1Show up consistently at your assigned school.
  • 2Work with your student using prepared reading materials.
  • 3Follow a simple weekly structure your Volunteer Coordinator will walk you through.
  • 4Keep a brief note on how each session went.
  • 5Build the kind of relationship students can count on.
  • 1Orientation and training before your first session.
  • 2A student folder and ready-to-use reading materials each week.
  • 3Placement and matching support so you start in the right school for your schedule.
  • 4A Volunteer Coordinator at your school who is your point of contact for anything that comes up.
  • 5Ongoing check-ins throughout the year so you are never navigating this alone.

Background check information by district

All community volunteers are screened before working with a student. After you apply, we will contact you with the exact steps for your placement. The information below breaks it down by district so you know what to expect.

Schedule Your Background Check →
FBI/BCI · Every 5 years

Screened in person at the ESC Central Office in Columbus. Schedule online through the ESC website, mention Charleys Kids Foundation or CTI when you arrive, and use reason code NCPA/VCA if asked.

Cost Covered by Charleys Kids / CTI.

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SecureVolunteer · Every 3 years

Completed online through SecureVolunteer for Dublin City Schools. You will receive a tutoring badge by email to print and bring to your first session.

Cost CTI may reimburse you. Save your receipt and share it with your Volunteer Coordinator.

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SecureVolunteer · Every 3 years

Completed online through SecureVolunteer for Hilliard City Schools. You will receive a tutoring badge by email to print and bring to your first session.

Cost CTI may reimburse you. Save your receipt and share it with your Volunteer Coordinator.

View full details →
FBI/BCI · Every 5 years

Screened in person at the ESC Central Office. Use reason code NCPA/VCA if asked during your appointment.

Cost Covered by Charleys Kids / CTI.

View full details →
FBI/BCI · Every 5 years

Screened in person at the ESC Central Office. Use reason code NCPA/VCA if asked during your appointment.

Cost Covered by Charleys Kids / CTI.

View full details →
School-specific · Varies

Screening requirements vary by school. After you are matched, CTI will connect you with your Volunteer Coordinator to walk through the specific steps for your placement.

Cost Confirm with your Coordinator or CTI after you are matched.

View full details →

Volunteers often say they came in expecting to help a student and left with something they did not expect.

FAQs

We walk you through every part of this. You do not have to figure it out alone.

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No. Most community volunteers have no formal education background. We provide the curriculum, materials, and training. What matters most is that you show up consistently and build a relationship with your student.

Our team will reach out to confirm receipt and walk you through your next steps, including your background check process and orientation scheduling. You will know what is expected before anything is asked of you.

It varies by district, but most volunteers are matched and in sessions within a few weeks of applying. We will keep you informed throughout.

You will learn how the program works, how to use the reading materials with your student, and how to log your sessions. Most volunteers leave orientation feeling ready.

Placements are based on your availability, location, and school need. We will work with you to find a match before confirming anything.

For most placements, no. Charleys Kids / CTI covers FBI/BCI costs. For SecureVolunteer screenings, CTI may reimburse you after you submit your receipt through your Coordinator.

Talk to your Volunteer Coordinator. We will work with you to find a solution. Student consistency matters, and we want to help you maintain it whenever possible.

A student is going to become a better reader this year because you showed up.

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