Community Connect Schools

Community Connect Schools gives Northwestern students the opportunity to earn their Federal Work-Study award while supporting local children and schools. 

Participants work in preschools and elementary schools across Evanston and Chicago, providing one-on-one tutoring, helping with homework, leading small group activities, and supporting after-school and programs. Through this work, students help young people succeed academically, support local educators, and gain meaningful experience working with children. 

Along the way, Community Connect Schools participants receive training, professional support, and opportunities to connect with peers across school sites. 

Make an impact in local schools while building leadership, communication, and teamwork skills! 

Positions Available
The Community Connect Schools Tutor Team is looking for enthusiastic student staff to work in early childhood through elementary classrooms at school sites in Evanston and Rogers Park. Student staff are placed in a classroom for 3–8 hours a week, where they work in teams of 2–5 to support classroom activities, facilitate curriculum, and help promote the academic and social-emotional growth of children. 

Two positions are available for the 26-27 academic year:

• Site Leaders serve as a lead staff member at a Community Connect Schools partner site. Site Leaders coordinate communication and classroom support for 2–5 team members, as well as work directly with children. This position is a great fit for students who have leadership experience and want to further develop their skills in program management and community-based work. Site Leaders earn $18.75/hour and are supervised by classroom teachers and Community Connect Schools staff. 
• Tutor Aids work directly with children in early childhood and elementary classrooms, engaging in both small and large group activities with the guidance of their Site Leader and the classroom teacher. Tutor Aides support the classroom environment and curriculum, fostering the academic and social-emotional growth of the children in their classroom. Tutor Aides earn $16.75/hour and are supervised by Site Leaders.

Full job descriptions can be found here and posted to the Student Job Board. Previous experience working with youth in a school or other programmatic setting is preferred but not required.

How It Works

• Apply and interview for the program.
• Get matched with a school site based on your interests and availability.
• Complete training in education, classroom management, and curriculum support. 
• Work 3 to 8 hours per week while receiving ongoing training, coaching, and support. 

• To apply for a position on the CCS Team, complete the Community Connect Schools: CCS Team Application for 26-27. 
• To apply for a Community Connect Schools position with another age group or at an independent school site, check the Student Job Board for current position openings and details on how to apply.
  To view only Community Connect positions, under Location, choose ‘School, Nonprofit, Community Service, or Government Agency.’ Additional positions will continue to be posted throughout the coming weeks.

Interested in volunteering with preschoolers as a one-time volunteer? Volunteer with Book Buddies on a Friday afternoon through the Winter and Spring Quarters.

• Questions about Community Connect Schools? Contact Craig Woods at craig.woods@northwestern.edu.
• Learn more about Federal Work Study eligibility and become oriented to Northwestern’s Federal Work Study program.
• Questions about your Federal Work Study award? Contact nuworkstudy@northwestern.edu
• Join the Community Connect mailing list to stay in the loop about future opportunities.