Volunteer with us
be the change in Education
Your skills, your voice, your time—there's a place for you at Breakthrough Silicon Valley. Join the movement to redefine education.
There are many ways to get involved with Breakthrough Silicon Valley, from hosting a Career Exploration Day at your workplace to tutoring students on a regular basis.
Be an After School Program Facilitator
Transform the future by mentoring our future—guide 7th and 8th graders through educational and life skills that they'll carry into adulthood.
-
Why Be a Facilitator?
This transcends a simple volunteer role; it's a mentorship experience. By guiding a class of 7th or 8th graders twice a week, you enrich lives and foster a societal shift toward equity and inclusion in education. Your influence cultivates essential life skills—from robust social-emotional competencies to critical thinking.The Ideal Facilitator
Who are we looking for? Visionaries. Leaders. Change-makers. If you’re a high school sophomore or a college student, and your credentials include prior tutoring, community service, or a leadership role, you already fit the bill. If you're committed to academic excellence and passionate about youth empowerment, you're the force we want.Ready to Take the Next Step? Please check back for a link to the application. The Breakthrough Silicon Valley team reviews applications on a rolling basis.
Who’s in the Class?
Your audience? A cadre of highly motivated 7th and 8th graders from San Jose Unified and Franklin-McKinley School Districts. These young minds represent future advocates, leaders, and change-makers. Your mentorship paves the way for their expansive life journey.Time Commitment & Logistics
Change isn't built in a day, but it can start with just one. Commit to one day per week in the fall and/or two days in the spring. Further details about the After School Program for 2020-21 will be made available soon.Questions? We've Got Answers.
Need more details? Reach out to our dedicated team for specific or general inquiries. We're here to ensure that your journey with BTSV is as fulfilling for you as it is for our students.Contact:
SJUSD-based inquiries
Delaney Bantillo
dbantillo@breakthroughsv.orgFMSD-based inquiries
Fabiola De Aguinaga
fdeaguinaga@breakthroughsv.orgGeneral Inquiries
Winnie Yip Fong
wfong@breakthroughsv.org
Tutor Students
With your knowledge and their will, the academic sky is the limit. Be the tutor who makes a difference.
-
Empower Through Knowledge. Change Lives Through Learning.
When the right mentor meets a hungry mind, the possibilities are boundless.Tutoring at Breakthrough Silicon Valley transcends traditional chalk and talk—it ignites curiosity. Picture this: you're guiding a young, fervent intellect through Pythagoras' theorem or the intricacies of the Civil War while also demystifying life's complexities. Your mentorship becomes the springboard for their dreams, whether they aspire to be a groundbreaking scientist, a fierce advocate, or the next tech mogul.
The What
As a BTSV tutor, you are more than a weekly appointment on a student's calendar. You’ll work one-on-one, diving deep into subjects like math, science, or history. It’s more than mere instruction; it's the transmission of passion, the genesis of curiosity. Think of yourself as a curator of a-ha moments.The Who
Whether you're a high schooler with a knack for calculus or a retired history buff, we welcome you. Our needs stretch from algebra to chemistry and everything in between. If you have the dedication and expertise, we have the students eager to learn from you.When, Where, & Commitment
Time is of the essence, and we use it wisely. We’re flexible, offering both online and on-site tutoring, stationed in two of San Jose's vibrant educational hubs. This isn't about cramming facts; it's about making every second count toward real, enduring comprehension. Our time slots range from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. All we ask is a commitment of at least an hour a week for a minimum of three months. It's not just time spent; it’s an investment in the future.Requirements
Background checks are a must for those 18 and older, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment for our students. The moment we receive your application, expect a BTSV Tutor and Confidentiality Agreement Form that seals the sanctity of this crucial relationship.Apply today, and become a catalyst for an aspiring mind
Questions?
Questions are the start of every great lesson. If you have any, don’t hesitate to reach out at tutoring@breakthroughsv.org.
Host a Career Exploration Day
Open your doors and open their eyes. Host a group of aspiring young minds for a day they’ll never forget.
-
Inspire Next-Gen Talent. Design a Day in Your World.
Set the Stage for InspirationPicture a room of young eyes looking up to you, captivated by your ability to transform the imaginary into attainable realities. At BTSV, Career Exploration Day transcends the ordinary job fair—it's a life fair. These students envision themselves as future engineers, scientists, and creatives. In you, they discover the gateway to that future.
What’s Involved
Minimal investment, monumental impact. We'll help you set the stage for a day that's less about corporate decorum and more about authentic human interaction. Show them the corners of your workplace and introduce them to the tapestry of roles—whether that's the CFO or the rising intern. We even close the day with a "business lunch," which serves up lessons in both cuisine and career.Logistics
One special day, 12 vision-led companies, 200 burgeoning talents—all colliding in mid-to-late July. Due to logistics, our stars align on a single day across multiple companies. Think of it as the 'Career Olympics.'Activity Planning
Our team will co-pilot your planning, but the creativity is yours to unleash. From panel discussions to interactive sessions, even casual chats with the CEO—this transcends a mere tour. It's a living narrative of decision-making and passion-chasing.Student Preparation
Before they step through your doors, these students will do their homework—literally. They'll come equipped with questions and a fair idea of your company ethos. Their minds are already whirring; we’re just aligning the gears.Aftermath
Post-Career Day, expect handwritten letters and takeaways that go beyond a job title. You'll have etched the cornerstone of their career aspirations.Questions?
Curiosity fuels us. To quench yours, reach out to Tamaya Garcia at tgarcia@breakthroughsv.org or call (408) 287-6357.
Participate in Professional Development Workshops
Equip students with the skills they'll need tomorrow by sharing your professional insights today.
-
Cultivate Futures. Mentor in the Now.
From Resume to Interview Etiquette, You're the Missing ChapterWorkshops at BTSV go beyond PowerPoint slides and checklists. They're collaborative arenas that delve into tangible, real-world scenarios. We're in the business of building futures, and you're the consultant these high-school sophomores didn't know they needed.
Volunteer Prerequisites
Your professional journey, whether as a hiring manager or an industry veteran, is the textbook they can't find online. While specific hiring experience is a plus, your life insights are the curriculum.Workshop Role
Engage in dialogues that matter. During the Professionalism Workshop, you'll share experiences that resonate, particularly for our BIPOC students. The second act, Resume Review & Mock Interview, is the practical application—your critique and applause shape the versions of themselves they will confidently present to the world.Attendees
Meet the relentless. These high-school sophomores have journeyed with us since 7th grade and are poised to grab the reins of their future.One or Both?
Every lesson is interconnected. While you're free to pick, participating in both workshops creates a holistic mentorship narrative.Questions?
For any footnotes or queries, reach out to volunteer@breakthroughsv.org or call (408) 287-6357.