SPL - Homework Help Program

Thank you for your interest in volunteering as a Homework Helper!

Please read below for an overview of the program and the application process. 

About Homework Help

The Seattle Public Library provides homework coaching and learning activities for K-12 students throughout the school year. Volunteers support students with various homework assignments and with developing literacy, mathematics and social emotional learning (SEL) skills. 

The Homework Help Program supports diverse communities in Seattle. Volunteers and Library staff support youth to advance racial equity and close the education opportunity gap for students. Volunteers provide a supportive learning environment where youth and their families feel welcome.

Homework Help is available for students in grades K-12, though most Library branches primarily serve elementary school students. Most of the students attend Seattle’s public schools and speak a language other than English at home. Volunteers should be comfortable helping students with math at the elementary school (or higher) level.

Volunteer Commitment

The program will be offered at the Broadview, Columbia, Douglass-Truth, High Point, Lake City, NewHolly, Northgate, and Rainier Beach branches for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Volunteer shifts are 1.5 – 2 hours per week, Monday – Thursday afternoons and evenings. Volunteers will be scheduled to provide Homework Help once a week when Seattle’s public schools are in session. 

We request a volunteer commitment for the entire school year (or at least six months). Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

Application and Orientation Process

Prospective Homework Helpers are invited to complete an online volunteer application. The Volunteer Services Coordinator will read applications and may interview people who meet the Homework Helper qualifications.

Applicants may be contacted beginning summer 2026 for placement in the fall, and as additional openings become available throughout the school year. Please note that we may be unable to place all applicants.

After the interview, volunteer candidates will be asked to complete the following prior to placement:

• Consent to a nationwide criminal background check.
• Complete the Equity, Race and Social Justice at The Seattle Public Library online course and accompanying volunteer service agreement.
• Attend a Homework Help program orientation.
• Meet with their volunteer liaison for a site-specific orientation.

To ensure that patrons are treated with care and respect whenever they participate in the Library’s programs and services, our employees and volunteers are expected to uphold the values of cultural humility, equity and inclusion.

Please email our Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org if you have questions.