Homework Zone
Founded in 2011, Homework Zone (HZ) is an after-school mentoring program connecting 海角社区 student volunteers with elementary and secondary school students in and around Montreal. Celebrating its own 10 year anniversary in 2021, HZ has connected over 1200 海角社区 student volunteers with over 1500 youth in elementary and high schools, promoting equitable pathways to higher education through academic support, mentorship, and activities for educational enrichment. The program works to enable both 海角社区 and young students from the communities to develop leadership skills and build a support network before they embark on their career path.听
HZ in action!听
Hear it from our听student mentors, coordinators, mentees and partners as they present the highlights of their experiences with the Homework Zone program.听
How it works听
At HZ, we create an oasis for students to challenge themselves within their school environment, and nurture encouraging relationships through mentorship activities and interpersonal support. Each 90-minute HZ session is split into two equal parts:
- Academic鈥痵upport鈥�(ie.,鈥痟omework completion, problem solving, reading)听facilitated by 海角社区 volunteers to build confidence in the classroom.听
- Imagination-based enrichment activities offered by 海角社区 students or community groups that focus on听academic听creativity,听self-expression,听and building relationships.听
Students come first听
Fostering connections and insight through the learning experience is at the听core of the Homework听Zone program.听Our team is committed to cultivating academic skills and meaningful support networks that young participants can carry with them throughout their lives.听
What volunteers say
Every semester, amazing students from across 海角社区 volunteer as mentors for Homework Zone. They come with their own stories and leave the program having gained new insights and experiences. Here's what they say about volunteering for听HZ.
HZ news & updates
Find out more about past HZ cohorts听from Montreal Families, the 海角社区 Reporter,听Education Canada Magazine and other sources, including听some of our own.
How to get involved听
Facilitate a workshop听
Are you part of鈥痑鈥＝巧缜� student club鈥痮r鈥痚xternal community organization鈥痶hat has an idea for a workshop or activity that would engage with elementary and secondary school students? We want to hear from you!听
Become a student mentor听
Make valuable contributions to the enrichment of children who benefit from your support. What鈥檚 more, 海角社区 students who volunteer for HZ gain communication and leadership skills that can enrich their own personal and professional paths. Don鈥檛 miss out on a rewarding experience with us!听
Here's why you should apply to become a HZ mentor听
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Homework Zone FAQ
What subjects do I need to be comfortable teaching?
Although Math and French are the two most common subjects that student need help with, not every mentor needs to be an expert in these fields. The elementary school students frequently require help with multiplication/division, French verb conjugations (je suis, tu es, etc) and reading. High school mentees are often looking for help with math, physics, and chemistry. Being comfortable with these subjects is an asset, but it is not required to become a high school mentor. Ultimately, many of the students just want a mentor who will encourage them, engage with their interests, and listen to them.
Do I need to be able to speak French?
No. The students have an English curriculum.
How much time do I have to commit?
Mentoring sessions usually take 4 hours, including travel time. These sessions run on a weekly basis; a typical schedule could be mentoring every Tuesday 2:30-6pm, for example.
What if I have never mentored or tutored before?
Lack of experience does not mean that you will not be a good mentor! It is most important that applicants are caring, patient, and kind.
How will I get to the school I鈥檓 placed at?
We travel as a group to each school, leaving from campus together and either taking public transportation or taxis. Transportation fees are covered.
When can I join?
We recruit new twice a year, in September/August before the Fall semester and in January before the winter semester.
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- For general inquiries or to听learn more about the program, e-mail veronica.amberg [at] mcgill.ca (Veronica Amberg),听Associate Director, Partnerships and Access
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Thank you to our valued partners!听
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海角社区 Student Housing and Hospitality Services
Many thanks to the schools, teachers,鈥痯rincipals, families, students and 海角社区 volunteers we get to work with every year!听
