Get involved
Volunteer with us
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Every organiser, teacher and mentor at Bridging the Future gives their time freely.
Steps guide
How to get started
- Step 1
What to do
Decide what you want to do as a volunteer — teach English, run a science workshop, mentor one-to-one, or help coordinate a cohort.
- Step 2
Offer help
Offer your help wherever it is needed. Some weeks that is subject teaching; other weeks it is application support or logistics.
- Step 3
Communication
We put you in touch with the team, share how the programme runs, and give you the space to ask questions before committing.
- Step 4
Be specific
Be specific about the task at hand and what you are willing to do, so we can match you to a student or a session that fits.
Are you ready to volunteer?
Start one of our programmes today and help people in need
Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD student, postdoctoral researcher, or an educator in STEM or language teaching, there is a place for you at Bridging the Future.
Subject mentor
Weekly 1-2-1 sessions in a STEM subject, IT or English, from October to March.
≈1 hour of teaching per week, plus preparation
Summer school teacher
English for science classes in the mornings, or practical STEM workshops in the afternoons across two weeks in August.
One or more days during the summer school
Moderator & coordinator
Pair mentors with students, check in on progress, and keep the scheme running smoothly.
Flexible, ongoing through the scheme
Media & communications
Photography, writing and design work that helps us share the stories behind our programmes.
Project-based
Join us
Become a volunteer
Fill in your details and we’ll get in touch.
Prefer email? Write tocontact@bridgingthefuture.org and tell us what you would like to help with.
Questions
Volunteering FAQs
What volunteers most often ask before they sign up.
Who can volunteer with Bridging the Future?
Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and educators in STEM or language teaching. If you have relevant expertise and time to give, there is a place for you.
How much time does mentoring take?
Mentors typically teach for around one hour a week and spend additional time preparing. Volunteers tell us to expect roughly 4–6 hours a week for the first few weeks, dropping to 2–3 hours once a routine is established.
When does the mentoring scheme run?
The online mentoring scheme runs annually from October until March. The summer school runs across two weeks in the first half of August.
How are mentors matched with students?
We match on subject need, level and goals — for example, a volunteer with a STEM background is paired with a STEM student, so existing knowledge can be used to the full.
Do I need teaching experience?
No. Many of our mentors are mentoring for the first time. Patience, consistency and a willingness to adapt matter more than prior teaching experience, and the team supports you throughout.