The Homework Zone | Program details | Volunteer | Information for partners
The Homework Zone
Homework Zone is an after-school mentorship program connecting McGill students with elementary and secondary students for 2 hours per week from October to April. Homework Zone volunteers come from all over the world, (almost) every McGill faculty, and every level of post-secondary education.
Program details
- Host Faculty/Dept/Student Group: Branches Community Outreach Program
- Main contact: hz.branches [at] mcgill.ca (Program Coordinator)
- Outreach website: https://www.mcgill.ca/branches/programs/homework-zone
- Languages offered: English and French
- Year established: 2011
- Location and timeline: Off campus and online at elementary and secondary schools, from October to April.
- Collaborative partners: We collaborate with various Montreal-based educators and McGill student clubs, staff and faculty who offer academic and personal enrichment workshops.
Volunteer
Time commitment
Per semester: 4-hour training; 3 hours per week mentoring (travel included); 2-hour reflection event.
Why volunteer?
- Leadership development, education experience working with young students, in neighborhoods where access to meaningful education is a challenge due to various factors that impact a youth’s connection to their learning.
- Learn with other McGill students how to be a mentor and what it means to ‘give back’.
- Get out of the McGill bubble by being a part of another Montreal neighbourhood.
- Completion of program earns a letter of attestation from the Dean of Students.
Volunteer testimonials
“I not only learned more about the person I am but the two students I helped as well. The knowledge of myself and the children grew.”
“The support we have as mentors is unlike any other program I have volunteered for before.”
To get involved email hz.branches [at] mcgill.ca
Information for partners
How the program impacts teaching and learning
- Complement education students receive in class; homework help keeps students on top of their schoolwork; working with mentors in school creates deeper connection to their school.
- Focus on school expectations and creative expression provides a balance to learning that includes the interests and talents of each child.
- By developing relationships between primary students and those in university, young students have a chance to see what life is like when they continue their education as well as seeing themselves as life-long learners.
To access the program, email hz.branches [at] mcgill.ca