Be the Difference.
Community volunteers and mentors are integral to the work we do, helping our Scholars develop academically, athletically and personally, from sixth grade through college and beyond.
Academic Volunteering
Be part of our academics team and help us close the opportunity gap. Provide after-school homework help, one-to-one tutoring, English language support and guided reading for middle and high schoolers.
- Supervised academic sessions take place every day after school at 1100 Merrill St, 77009 from 3:50-6:30 p.m.
- Commit for one semester. There’s a 20-hour minimum commitment, with a regular weekly schedule preferred. Many volunteers choose two hours each week during the 18-week semester.
- Sign up for slots is required at least one week in advance.
- We provide training and a background check.
Squash and Athletic Volunteering
Jump on court with our scholars to help them with drills, skills, fitness, testing and match play.
- Squash sessions take place every day after school at 1100 Merrill St, 77009 from 3:50-6:30 p.m.
- Squash volunteers should be intermediate level (e.g. US Squash rating 3.5 or higher).
- Athletic trainers should hold a personal or group training accreditation.
- Sign up for slots is required at least one week in advance.
- Commit for one semester (20 hours).
Mentoring
Be a source of support for a single student, year-round.
Become a career mentor to a student with similar interests and provide long-term guidance, support and friendship.
- Meet face-to-face 10 times per year, plus call once a month.
- Attend Mission Squash-led mentor party events.
- Commit for one year.
Special Skills
Support the organization behind the scenes.
We’re always looking for assistance with events, fundraising, grant writing, office work, driving, trip chaperoning and summer activities.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with Mission Squash provides a structured way to help students from underserved communities improve their life outcomes by sharing your support, skills and experience.
Most volunteer roles involve working directly with students and watching the hard work translate into results as students lift up their grades, become healthier and develop outstanding character.
- All sessions (except mentoring) are fully supervised by a member of the Mission Squash staff team.
- All volunteers receive training, a handbook and support materials.
- Some companies will provide employees with designated time (and in some cases a matching donation) for you to volunteer with community organizations. Find out if this is an option for you by consulting your HR or Corporate Social Responsibility team.
What to Expect When Enrolling
The Fun Stuff
Volunteering gives you access to an exciting and incredibly fun community of well-connected professionals, mentors and educators who are passionate about investing in the future of Houston’s youth. This includes the Houston squash community and extends to the major industries including insurance, finance and oil and gas through our Board and Young Professionals Board.
Our volunteers are an integral part of the organization. We welcome them at our major annual events and hold special volunteer events where we celebrate their commitment, achievement and impact.
Regular volunteers covet our special T-shirt line, available to those contributing 10 to 100 hours of service. The “Double Yellow Dot” shirt for 100 hours of service is especially sought after!
Volunteering FAQ
I don’t know anything about squash. Is that ok?
Yes! Mission Squash is an urban youth development program, and squash is only one-quarter of our programming alongside academics, mentoring, and college access. We welcome volunteers with a range of skills. If you’re interested in volunteering but aren’t sure where to begin, reach out to us, and we’ll help to find the best opportunity for you.
How old are your students and when do they attend practice?
We work with students from 6th-12th Grade, age 11-18.
Practices follow a two-week A/B schedule, with middle schoolers (age 11-14) attending after school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, then Tuesday and Thursday the following week. High schoolers (age 15-18) attend on the alternate days.
All weekday practices consist of both academics and squash and run from 3:50-6:30 p.m. Practice runs on every full HISD school day, except where trips or other events have been planned. See The Scholarship Program page for more general information about how the program operates.
I don’t have any experience of working with children. Can I still help?
If you’re considering working with our students in academics, squash or as a mentor but have limited experience working with children, it’s still possible to get involved. Reach out to us for more information.
If you would rather volunteer in a non-student-facing role, there are a number of opportunities to help with special skills volunteering throughout the year.
Volunteer Organizations – Partner with Us
If you’re involved with a volunteer organization or company that can provide regular tutors, adult professional mentors or athletic coaches to work with our Scholars, we’d love to work with you. Please reach out to the volunteer coordinator to kick things off.