Ottawa Volunteers in Education
We bring volunteers from the community into classrooms to support students that are falling behind their peers. Our volunteers help K-12 students acquire skills, understand new concepts, close learning gaps, and gain self-confidence.
OttawaReads
OttawaReads is an early literacy program that inspires a love of reading in young children. Volunteers read aloud in a one-to-one setting to boost reading and language skills, and demonstrate that reading is fun.
Assistive Technology Support
Our Assistive Technology website is a portal for learning about technology-based tools that can help students with critical tasks like reading, writing, time management and studying.
School Breakfast Program
Every morning, before the school day begins, the School Breakfast Program provides students in need with a nutritious breakfast, giving them the chance to start their day ready to learn and on equal footing with peers.
Classroom Gardens
Classroom Gardens brings indoor gardening into Ottawa classrooms. Throughout the school year, and even through the winter months, young students grow vegetables from seed and learn in a hands-on way about plants, nutrition, healthy eating, and entrepreneurship. Students have the opportunity to eat the food they grow, and share it with their friends, family, and the broader community.
Substance Abuse Support Program
Substance abuse is a serious problem in the grade 7 to 12 population. This program improves access to substance abuse education and provides critical school-based counselling to students and parents affected by drug or alcohol addiction.
JA Ottawa
JA recruits volunteers from the business community to deliver programs and lead hands-on learning activities. JA teaches by giving students real-world tasks like creating a budget, managing finances, exploring interests and career pathways, and working with a team to start a small business.
Employer Connections
This program connects educators and employers, boosts enrollment in STEM-related courses, shares labour market information, and creates work-related learning experiences – all to better prepare students for tomorrow’s careers.
Want to Help Support Us?
There are many ways to get involved and support our work. You decide how. Volunteer, make a gift, plan an event, or sponsor a program - we'd love to explore the options with you.
Our Partners Get Things Done
Our partners play a pivotal role in enhancing public education in Ottawa. They volunteer. They donate. They work side-by-side with our staff and educators in all 4 school boards to ensure that students develop the skills, experience, and knowledge they need to succeed.