Learning Volunteer Program

Support Student Learning in Meaningful Ways

Increase your school or classroom’s capacity for place-based education teaching and projects by building a base of trained volunteers who can assist with the outdoor class management, inquiry-based learning, modeling curiosity and guiding reflection.

Unlike traditional chaperones, Learning Volunteers are prepared to actively support and engage in student learning, helping connect classroom lessons to the real world through outdoor exploration, community-based projects and hands-on experiences.

This program draws parents, guardians, and community members closer into the learning process, fostering intergenerational relationships and creating authentic shared experiences in the schoolyard and beyond. By welcoming all volunteers to take part in this training, we aim to make school more accessible, welcoming and connected for every student and family. 

Training Provided

Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI), a recognized leader in Place-Based Education, offers a free, interactive micro-training for any potential volunteer working with a teacher affiliated with GLSI or a GLSI Hub. 

Volunteers will learn: 

• • Risk management and safety outdoors
  • Prompts for inquiry and observation
  • Simple routines to spark curiosity 
  • How to join students as authentic co-learners
  • Ways to guide reflection and celebrate learning 

Why Become a Learning Volunteer?

• • Make a real impact in the classroom and community
  • Support teachers in delivering high quality, hands-on learning experiences
  • Gain skills to confidently engage with students in the outdoor and community settings
  • Be part of a statewide network dedicated to place-based education
  • Help make school a place where every student and family feels welcome and included

Know the perfect volunteer?

Send them more information!

For questions or additional training dates, contact Patty Tolly at patty@greatlakesstewardship.org. 

Funding support for the Learning Volunteer Program is provided by the Great Lakes Fishery Trust.