The Multilingual & Multicultural Center of the Portland Public Schools seeks assistance in initiating an exciting pilot project.  Make it Happen! is a program for English Language Learners (ELLs) in Grades 7-11 who need personalized and structured academic and social support to ensure their success in undertaking rigorous and challenging academic work that will prepare
them for college.

Our target students come from countries all over the globe such as Afghanistan, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, El Salvador, Mexico, Serbia, Somalia, Sudan, Sweden, and Vietnam. Students will be working with volunteer academic coaches, who will provide extended learning time through homework support, academic reading and writing enrichment, and activities that promote critical thinking, goal-setting, and organizational skills. The program will also offer activities that nurture character development, collaborative work, and leadership skills.

We are looking for volunteer academic coaches who have a genuine desire to be part of young peoples’ lives by helping them pursue their interests, succeed in school, and achieve their goals.  Volunteers would be asked to dedicate 3-4 hours of time per week working with their assigned student at Lyman Moore Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, or Deering High School in Portland.  Coaching sessions may take place during school hours or after school between February and May 2009.  Parking is available at all three sites.  We provide volunteer orientation and training on an ongoing basis.

Be a part of Make it Happen!  Join us to empower young people in setting their goals and living their dreams!  If you are interested in volunteering for this exciting project, you can download the volunteer application forms from our website:

http://www.portlandschools.org/schools/multilingual

You can also contact:

Multilingual & Multicultural Center
150 Ocean Avenue
Portland, Maine 04103
Phone: 207-874-8135