Volunteer With Us
How will you help us build a thriving intercultural community?

Join Spring Institute’s growing network of volunteers and help build a thriving intercultural community through learning, language access, and advocacy. We offer role-specific training, flexible opportunities, and volunteer commitments ranging from one-time events to ongoing service.

Explore the volunteer roles below to find the opportunity that’s right for you!

Board of Directors

Spring Institute is seeking passionate community leaders to join our Board of Directors. Board members provide leadership and strategic governance to advance Spring Institute’s mission of building a thriving intercultural community through learning, language access, and advocacy.

Read the full position description here. Apply to join the Board of Directors via email: spring@springinstitute.org

Program & Office Volunteers

Whether you’d like to support youth or adults in our community-based programs or lend your skills in our office, there’s an opportunity for you! As a volunteer with Spring Institute, you’ll enjoy: 

  • Hands-on training and ongoing support
  • Recognition and appreciation for your contributions
  • Opportunities to build new skills and grow as a leader
  • Meaningful ways to make a positive impact in your community
  • Connections with passionate volunteers, staff, and community members
  • The rewarding experience of contributing to a welcoming, mission-driven organization helping to build a thriving intercultural community!

How to get started:

    1. Explore the Volunteer Roles and review the Volunteer FAQs below
    2. Submit the Volunteer Intake Form
    3. After we receive your form, you’ll connect with a staff member to discuss your interests and available volunteer roles
    4. When you match into a role, you’ll complete onboarding forms, a background check, and training
    5. Start volunteering to help us build a thriving intercultural community!

Explore Volunteer Roles

Spring Institute’s Youth Programs empower young people to become engaged leaders and positive changemakers. Serving youth ages 5–26 in Denver’s East Colfax corridor, our programs promote physical and mental wellbeing while fostering academic success and expanding access to college and career opportunities. Through safe, enriching out-of-school-time programs, we help youth build confidence, resilience, initiative, teamwork, and lifelong skills for success in school, work, and their communities.

Study Hall Academic Support Volunteers work alongside immigrant and refugee youth during after-school study sessions, providing homework assistance, reading support, math tutoring, and help with school projects. Volunteers primarily support elementary and middle school students, with occasional opportunities to assist high school or early college students.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation
Schedule/Location: Wednesdays from 4 – 6 pm / In-person 
Commitment: Minimum of 4 weeks
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Classroom experience with culturally and linguistically diverse youth of all ages
  • Comfort with elementary and middle school homework, especially math
  • Reliability and consistency
  • Calm, supportive demeanor

Spring Institute’s Adult Education program provides high-quality English language instruction that transforms opportunities into lifelong success. Our classes help adult learners build English proficiency, digital literacy, and career readiness skills while supporting them in achieving their personal, educational, and professional goals. Classes are offered in person, online, and in hybrid formats, with in-person classes held in Aurora.

Adult Education Classroom Assistants play an important role in creating welcoming, engaging classrooms where learners can practice their English, build confidence, and connect with their community. Depending on the role, volunteers may assist instructors during class, facilitate conversation practice, provide one-on-one or small-group support, or help learners strengthen their digital and workplace skills.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Varies by class – Online and/or in Aurora
Commitment: Between 2 and 6 hours per week for 4 to 12 weeks. Classes take place on fall, spring and summer schedules. 
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • Cultural responsiveness and commitment to working with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Classroom experience
  • Ability to stay organized and adapt to a variety of classroom needs 

Spring Institute’s Career Pathways program provides individualized career coaching and support to help immigrants and refugees achieve their professional goals. Volunteers play a vital role by sharing their expertise, expanding participants’ professional networks, and providing guidance on navigating careers in the United States.

We are especially seeking volunteers to support the Colorado Welcome Back program, which helps internationally trained doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses reclaim their careers in the U.S. Through informational interviews, networking, mentorship, mock interviews, and industry insights, volunteers help participants better understand their professions and prepare for success in the U.S. workforce.

Resume Reviewers help immigrants, refugees, and internationally trained professionals present their skills and experience effectively to U.S. employers. They provide constructive feedback on resumes, helping participants strengthen the organization, clarity, and impact of their application materials. Volunteers offer guidance on highlighting transferable skills, tailoring resumes to specific positions, and aligning resumes with U.S. hiring practices. This role may also include reviewing cover letters and sharing general job search tips.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Flexible / Virtual or In-Person
Commitment: Ongoing throughout a school year
Helpful  Skills:

  • Familiarity with resume standards and hiring practices
  • Experience developing and refining resumes
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to provide constructive, respectful, and encouraging feedbackCare

Spring Institute’s Career Pathways program provides individualized career coaching and support to help immigrants and refugees achieve their professional goals. Volunteers play a vital role by sharing their expertise, expanding participants’ professional networks, and providing guidance on navigating careers in the United States.

We are especially seeking volunteers to support the Colorado Welcome Back program, which helps internationally trained doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses reclaim their careers in the U.S. Through informational interviews, networking, mentorship, mock interviews, and industry insights, volunteers help participants better understand their professions and prepare for success in the U.S. workforce.

Mock Interviewers help immigrants, refugees, and internationally trained professionals build confidence and prepare for success in the U.S. job market. You’ll conduct practice interviews that simulate real hiring experiences and provide constructive feedback to help participants strengthen their interview skills. Volunteers ask common interview questions, offer guidance on communication and presentation, and share insights into U.S. workplace and hiring practices. Your encouragement and expertise can help participants feel more confident and prepared for future interviews.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Flexible / Virtual or In-Person
Commitment: Ongoing throughout a school year
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Knowledge of interview techniques
  • Active listening 
  • Ability to coach and provide constructive, respectful, and encouraging feedbac

Spring Institute’s Career Pathways program provides individualized career coaching and support to help immigrants and refugees achieve their professional goals. Volunteers play a vital role by sharing their expertise, expanding participants’ professional networks, and providing guidance on navigating careers in the United States.

We are especially seeking volunteers to support the Colorado Welcome Back program, which helps internationally trained doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses reclaim their careers in the U.S. Through informational interviews, networking, mentorship, mock interviews, and industry insights, volunteers help participants better understand their professions and prepare for success in the U.S. workforce.

Industry Mentors share knowledge and tips from professional experience that help immigrants, refugees, and internationally trained professionals navigate the workforce. You’ll meet one-on-one with participants for informational interviews and career conversations that provide valuable insight into your profession and the U.S. workplace. You’ll offer advice and answer questions about career pathways, licensure or credentialing (when applicable), workplace culture, networking, and industry trends, while helping participants expand their professional networks and better understand opportunities in their field.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Flexible / Virtual or In-Person
Commitment: Ongoing throughout a school year
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Industry knowledge and professional experience, especially in healthcare and education
  • Supportive and encouraging approach to helping others succeed
  • Approachable demeanor and a willingness to share career insights, provide honest feedback, and foster professional connectionsC

Spring Institute’s Career Pathways program provides individualized career coaching and support to help immigrants and refugees achieve their professional goals. Volunteers play a vital role by sharing their expertise, expanding participants’ professional networks, and providing guidance on navigating careers in the United States.

We are especially seeking volunteers to support the Colorado Welcome Back program, which helps internationally trained doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses reclaim their careers in the U.S. Through informational interviews, networking, mentorship, mock interviews, and industry insights, volunteers help participants better understand their professions and prepare for success in the U.S. workforce.

English Assessment Tutors help participants prepare to demonstrate their language skills through the TOEFL and MET English language proficiency assessments. Volunteers help participants build confidence by practicing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, reviewing assessment formats, and providing encouragement in a supportive learning environment. 

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Flexible / Virtual or In-Person
Commitment: Ongoing throughout a school year
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Understanding of test-taking strategies
  • Knowledge of specified assessments (TOEFL, MET)
  • Patience & adaptability

Spring Institute’s Career Pathways program provides individualized career coaching and support to help immigrants and refugees achieve their professional goals. Volunteers play a vital role by sharing their expertise, expanding participants’ professional networks, and providing guidance on navigating careers in the United States.

We are especially seeking volunteers to support the Colorado Welcome Back program, which helps internationally trained doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses reclaim their careers in the U.S. Through informational interviews, networking, mentorship, mock interviews, and industry insights, volunteers help participants better understand their professions and prepare for success in the U.S. workforce.

Medical Exam Tutors help participants prepare for USMLE, INBDE, or NCLEX exams required for professional licensure. You’ll work one-on-one or in small groups with participants  to strengthen their knowledge, review exam content, and build confidence for professional licensing exams. Volunteers provide academic support, explain complex concepts, recommend study strategies, and encourage participants throughout the exam preparation process. Tutors do not need to teach every subject, but should be comfortable supporting learners in their area of expertise.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: Flexible / Virtual or In-Person
Commitment: Ongoing throughout a school year
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Content expertise
  • Education in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, or another healthcare field
  • Patience & adaptability

Spring Institute’s The Community  Wins through Immigrant Navigation and Support (Community WINS) program employs a team of Cultural Resource Navigators who address a variety of needs faced by refugees in the Metro Denver area, connecting them with resources, providing education on key topics, and assisting them in applying for services and benefits.

Community Workshop Assistants support the team in providing community workshops on different topics such as financial literacy, wellness, health education, and conducting pre- and post- workshop needs assessments.

Training Requirements: 2-hour orientation & training session
Schedule/Location: 3-4 hours per week / Location varies
Commitment: At least 4 weeks / Ongoing 
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Cultural responsiveness and a welcoming, inclusive approach
  • Comfort working with groups and in varied community settings
  • Willingness to support workshop logistics

Spring Institute’s main office, located in the Capitol Hill area of Denver, provides operational oversight and administrative support for all of the organization’s community-based programs. Office/Administrative Assistants help staff with a variety of tasks, including organizing files, preparing mailings, assembling program materials, data entry, and event support. This keeps Spring Institute running smoothly and makes all of our programs and services possible!

Training Requirements: 1-hour orientation 
Schedule/Location: 2-4 hours per week 
Commitment: At least 4 weeks / Ongoing 
Helpful  Skills: 

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Dependable, adaptable, and ability to multi-task
  • Willingness to assist with administrative tasks and meeting or event logistics 

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteer opportunities vary based on the role. Some opportunities are one-time or annual events, while others involve a weekly commitment. We’ll work with you to find a role that aligns with your interests, availability, and schedule.

Absolutely! We have volunteer opportunities during evenings and weekends, including supporting Adult Education classes, Youth Programs, and special events. As opportunities arise, we’ll do our best to match you with a role that fits your availability.

We offer a variety of ongoing volunteer opportunities, whether you’re interested in working directly with participants in Spring Institute’s community-based programs or providing administrative and office support. Depending on your interests, skills, and availability, we’ll match you with a volunteer role that’s a good fit.

Board of Directors committees: We are actively accepting applications to our Board of Directors (Read the full position description here). Along with convening for quarterly meetings, members each serve on committees focused on their respective areas of expertise and specific interests, including organizational finance, board recruitment, strategic planning, or marketing, fundraising, and advocacy. Apply to join our Board of Directors via email: spring@springinstitute.org

Advocacy coalitions: We invite interested community members to join Spring Institute’s advocacy coalitions at anytime. Volunteers contribute their lived experience and professional expertise to advance efforts focused on language access (Colorado Language Access Coalition), early childhood education and care (Dual Language Learner Coalition),  mental health (Coalition on Refugee & Immigrant Mental Health) and refugee welcoming and resettlement (Refugee Action Coalition of Colorado).  Volunteers are also selected through an annual application process to join our Policy Advisory Committee, which helps guide Spring Institute’s advocacy priorities. To learn more and get involved, visit the advocacy program page.

All prospective volunteers are asked to answer intake questions and will undergo a background check. Once you’ve submitted the intake form linked above, a Spring Institute staff member will contact you to discuss your interests, availability, and next steps.