Volunteers are able to connect and inspire students at Bloomington Public Schools. Your time, energy, and positive presence as a volunteer will make a world of difference in the lives of every student. There are a number of ways to volunteer at BPS, including serving on an advisory council, working directly with students and staff, tutoring after school and many more.
Volunteer Connection
Volunteer Connection provides meaningful opportunities to support students and staff in our schools. Volunteers assist in classrooms, lunchrooms, tutoring and more. The program also supports student teachers.
- Americorp members
- College students
- Community members
- Page Scholars
- Parents and family members
- Student Teachers
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Classroom assistant (K-12, math or literacy)
- For community members and college students
- Monday-Friday. Hours vary by school.
- Study Buddy Tutor
- Two evenings a week: Monday-Thursday, 3:20-4:15 p.m. or Tuesday/Wednesday, 4-6 p.m.
- Media center helper
- Monday-Friday, between 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Additional volunteer opportunities
- Variety of ways to help including during lunchtime or other school tasks. Please contact Volunteer Connection to learn more.
Programs and Services
Free tutoring is available through our Study Buddies program. This is free tutoring for all Bloomington students in grades K-12, for help with reading and math support, and other class work. Study Buddies offers 30-minute tutoring sessions after school and evenings.
If you're interested in volunteering for Study Buddies as a tutor, please contact Volunteer Connection.
Study Buddies Dates
Oct 21, 2025 - April 29, 2026.
Locations and Times
Penn Lake Library: Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
Oxboro Library: Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m.
BPS staff may request a volunteer to help in the classroom. To do so, please fill out the request form.
How to Become a Volunteer
To keep our schools safe and secure, all volunteers must complete a three-step process prior to entering any building. Volunteers are not permitted to enter the school or begin volunteering until all steps in the process have been completed and approved.
Volunteers are approved for three years once the application and background check are completed. An email notification will be sent when it is time to renew.
All volunteers must complete an application for the school where they intend to volunteer. A separate application is required for each school if volunteering at multiple locations. Providing detailed information in the application helps expedite the approval process.
Before submission, volunteers are required to review the Volunteer Handbook and watch the Orientation Video - both linked below for ongoing reference.
Application Links
Early Learning
Elementary
- Hillcrest Community School
- Indian Mounds Elementary
- Normandale Hills Elementary
- Oak Grove Elementary
- Olson Elementary
- Poplar Bridge Elementary
- Ridgeview Elementary
- Valley View Elementary
- Westwood Elementary
Middle School
High School
Study Buddies
Some volunteer roles require a criminal background check. Only one background check is necessary, even when volunteering at multiple schools. The full process, including the application, may take 2-5 business days to complete. For questions about whether a background check is required, refer to the exempt list below or contact Volunteer Connection.
These volunteers are exempt from the background check:
- If you completed volunteer background check for the previous 2024-25 school year
- Parents/caregivers helping with classroom parties and events
- Under 18 years old
- District staff member volunteering
- One-time group volunteer
The background check is required for:
- Classroom helpers
- Field trip volunteers
- Coaches
- College students
- Community members
- Student Teachers: Contact Volunteer Connection
Some volunteers need to attend safety training within the first 30 days of starting their volunteer role. Review the exempt list below or contact Volunteer Connection if you are unsure whether this applies to you.
Training sessions are offered twice a month at the district’s Educational Services Center (1350 W. 106th St. Bloomington, MN, Door #5). The one-hour in-person training will cover the district’s emergency response guide and your role in an emergency.
The following volunteers are exempt from this training:
- Parents/caregivers/family members of a student
- Under 18 years old
Education Foundation of Bloomington
The Education Foundation of Bloomington helps meet the educational needs of students of Bloomington Public Schools. EFB supports our students and staff through programs like Children's Food for Thought, Student Success Stipends, Innovation Grants and more.
Education Foundation of Bloomington
Contact
Tiffany Shermak
Education Foundation of Bloomington President
952-681-6103