When you volunteer, you see first-hand how United Way is helping to create lasting change in Erie County.
Fill out a volunteer interest form now!
United Way community schools cover 16 schools in four school districts. While some requirements for volunteering in a school are state mandated, school districts also establish district specific policies to keep students safe and schools secure.
Volunteer Checklist
- Plan ahead—some clearances required for volunteers may take some time to secure
- Determine the district you’d like to work with and, if applicable, which school you are interested in volunteering at
- Familiarize yourself with the volunteer requirements for your chosen district including securing the correct clearances
- Complete the attached form to help us match you to the best school possible!
Erie’s Public Schools Volunteer Information
- Clearances must be less than one-year old at the time of initially volunteering. Once one file with Erie's Public Schools (EPS), clearances are good for five years.
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance
- PA State Police Criminal Background Check Clearance
- FBI Fingerprint Check OR Completed Disclosure Statement Application Affidavit
- Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training Certificate
- One-step PPD tuberculosis test which shows negative results
- EPS Third Party Packet
- Provided when volunteer opportunity is confirmed at a school
Girard School District Volunteer Information
- Please visit the Girard School District volunteer webpage to learn more about volunteering at Elk Valley Elementary School, a United Way community school.
Iroquois School District Volunteer Information
- Please visit Iroquois’ volunteer webpage to learn more about volunteering at Iroquois Elementary School, a United Way community school.
Union City Area School District Volunteer Information
- Please visit Union City's volunteer webpage to learn more about volunteering at Union City Elementary School, a United Way community school.
FAQs:
Who needs clearances?
- All community school volunteers require clearances if they will be volunteering within a community school on a regular/repeated basis. Visitors do not require clearances. Visitors are people who come into the school for meetings/special events, are supervised by school personnel and come in usually for a one-time event.
When do I NOT require clearances?
- Each district has its own policy outlining acceptable situations where clearances may not be required. For specific inquiries, please reach out to the respective district directly.
Why is the process so complicated?
- By asking for clearances, United Way and the school districts are not trying to deter families and individuals from being involved in the schools, however, we are abiding PA state law and ensuring the safest environment for school age children and students.
What does volunteering at a community school look like?
- There are many ways a volunteer could be utilized including:
- Instructional support such as tutoring one-on-one/in small groups, mentoring, or reading support.
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Administrative support such as office work, cleaning community schools spaces and organizing materials. Examples include making copies/stuffing folders, providing library assistance, or sitting at the school’s welcome/sign-in desk.
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Enrichment opportunities such as field days or assisting with outside of school-time programming.
Who do I give my paperwork to?
- Once an opportunity has been identified, the community school director will contact you about where to send your paperwork for review.
When can I begin volunteering?
- Once you have completed all required steps to volunteer with your chosen district and have determined a day and time with the community school director.
Fill out a volunteer interest form now!
