Voluntario

Our volunteers dedicate their time, energy, and talents toward helping students connect to their purpose. Whether you are interested in driving students to the theater, coaching classes, lending a hand at events, or supporting behind-the-scenes administrative tasks, there is something available for everyone.

See below for current opportunities to volunteer!

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Current Opportunities

View current volunteer opportunities below. Submit your Volunteer Interest Form to share more about yourself and your interests. We will then reach out to you with the next steps. 

We are excited to offer Mankato Area Public Schools middle school students with experiential learning opportunities and exposure to arts, theatre, outdoor experiences, and so much more. More opportunities to get involved as a volunteer will be added as we expand our programming. See below for current ways to get involved!

We are looking for multiple volunteers to join us for our first-ever Mankato Winter Adventure Day, a celebration of all the fun and beauty Minnesota winters have to offer! From cross-country skiing to snow building competitions and more, this day will be packed with exciting activities that will bring out the best of the winter season. To learn more about this event, visit our Mankato Programs page on our website.

We have a variety of volunteer roles to choose from to fit your interests. Volunteers will be stationed throughout different activity areas and will play a key role in creating a positive, memorable experience for our students and families.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 8th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Flandrau State Park (1300 Summit Ave, New Ulm, MN 56073)
Lunch: A complimentary lunch featuring all-beef hot dogs, chips, and snacks will be provided to all volunteers.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  1. Check-In Station
    Greet participants with a warm smile as they arrive! You’ll help with check-in, registration sheet management, and will ensure everything runs smoothly from the get-go.
  2. Cross Country Ski Sign-Up Station
    Help our skiers get ready for their adventure! You’ll be keeping track of ski trip sign-ups, communicating departure/return times, and answering any questions participants may have.
  3. Snow Creations/Shelter Building
    Encourage creativity as students build snow people, shelters, and more! This station allows kids to explore their imagination, and we need volunteers to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.
  4. Nature Space
    Let students explore and interact with nature! Volunteers will ensure safety and provide guidance in this free-play area, making sure everyone is safe and engaged.
  5. Obstacle Course
    Get ready for action! Help supervise students as they take on challenges that test their speed and agility. You’ll be there to ensure safety and maintain the firepit area.
  6. Food/Kitchen Area
    Help in the kitchen to ensure we feed all our hungry participants and their families! Volunteers will help with assembling and distributing food, managing snack stations, and ensuring cleanliness and safety.
  7. Kite-Making Station
    Let creativity soar! Volunteers will help participants create their own kites, providing guidance and ensuring the area remains clean and safe.

Set-Up and Clean-Up
All volunteers are needed for set-up at 9:00 AM to prepare for the day. While it’s not necessary to stay for cleanup, any extra help after the event is greatly appreciated!

Training:
Project Success will be holding an online volunteer training session to walk through the day’s schedule, go over the responsibilities for each station, and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. More details to be shared during the onboarding process.

How to Get Involved:
Complete our quick volunteer interest form and our Program Manager for Mankato, Dani Farrell, will follow up to share more details and confirm your spot.

Through our Workshops, Arts, Expeditions, and Institute Certificates programs, Project Success helps connect students to their purpose. Our volunteers support our programs in a variety of ways. All volunteers working directly with students are required to complete a screening interview and pass a background check.

Project Success collaborates with over 50 Twin Cities theater partners who generously donate tickets and help us coordinate theater experiences for students, families, and teachers. These Experiencias Teatrales are provided at no cost for students and their families, with transportation services available to ensure everyone can attend. Our volunteer drivers play a crucial role in increasing access to these incredible theater opportunities. As a volunteer driver, you will primarily be picking up students and their families for Theater Experiences. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport students and families from their homes to one of our theater partners in the Twin Cities. We encourage volunteers to engage with students and families in the car, during intermission, and on the ride back home. This not only ensures students receive transportation but also builds a sense of community between volunteers and families while sharing in the joy of live theater.

Volunteer drivers receive a survey each month with a list of upcoming theater events, usually between 10 and 25 shows. Drivers have the flexibility to choose as many or as few events for which they are available to drive each month. Once assigned to drive, volunteers receive detailed instructions for how to contact families and attend the show (and of course our staff are always available to support!) Additionally, volunteer drivers receive two complimentary tickets each time they provide a ride, as well as when we have extra tickets for shows throughout the month. Drivers choose their own time commitment, and they get to enjoy top-notch theater for free! In addition to Theater Experiences, there may be other opportunities to drive for Project Success, such as for our Institute Certificate classes and out-of-school programming.

Requirements: Drivers are required to pass a background check, complete a screening interview, and must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Project Success collaborates with over 50 Twin Cities theater partners who generously donate tickets and help us coordinate theater experiences for students, families, and teachers. These Experiencias Teatrales are provided at no cost for students and their families, with transportation services available to ensure everyone can attend. Our volunteer drivers play a crucial role in increasing access to these incredible theater opportunities. As a volunteer driver, you will primarily be picking up students and their families for Theater Experiences. Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport students and families from their homes to one of our theater partners in the Twin Cities. We encourage volunteers to engage with students and families in the car, during intermission, and on the ride back home. This not only ensures students receive transportation but also builds a sense of community between volunteers and families while sharing in the joy of live theater.

Volunteer drivers receive a survey each month with a list of upcoming theater events, usually between 10 and 25 shows. Drivers have the flexibility to choose as many or as few events for which they are available to drive each month. Once assigned to drive, volunteers receive detailed instructions for how to contact families and attend the show (and of course our staff are always available to support!) Additionally, volunteer drivers receive two complimentary tickets each time they provide a ride, as well as when we have extra tickets for shows throughout the month. Drivers choose their own time commitment, and they get to enjoy top-notch theater for free! In addition to Theater Experiences, there may be other opportunities to drive for Project Success, such as for our Institute Certificate classes and out-of-school programming.

Requirements: Drivers are required to pass a background check, complete a screening interview, and must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Through the Project Success Institute Certificates program, Minneapolis high school students have the opportunity to take free classes in subjects including bicycle tech, baking, cooking, and creative writing at our newly renovated office located at 1 Groveland Terrace. Our Institute Certificates program is designed to help students build critical life and career skills that enrich their independence and cultivate creativity and curiosity. Volunteer coaches help support student learning by facilitating conversations and asking questions to drive curiosity and engagement. They have opportunities to share their real-life experiences that offer valuable insights while also developing their own leadership skills.

Each week on Tuesday evenings, volunteer budget-friendly cooking coaches help students make affordable, delicious, and satisfying meals. They also help our students gain the skills necessary to shop smart, build a pantry, and cook seasonally to make the most of their budget. Submit an interest form to connect with our Program Manager – Institute Certificates to learn more about our Budget-Friendly Cooking Certificate and the specific ways you’ll help students learn how to prepare budget-friendly meals. No previous experience in cooking is required to volunteer.

Requirements: Coaches are required to complete a screening interview and pass a background check.

Through the Project Success Institute Certificates program, Minneapolis high school students have the opportunity to take free classes in subjects including bicycle tech, baking, cooking, and creative writing at our newly renovated office located at 1 Groveland Terrace. Our Institute Certificates program is designed to help students build critical life and career skills that enrich their independence and cultivate creativity and curiosity. Volunteer coaches help support student learning by facilitating conversations and asking questions to drive curiosity and engagement. They have opportunities to share their real-life experiences that offer valuable insights while also developing their own leadership skills.

Each week on Wednesday evenings, volunteer baking coaches help students learn the art of baking from professional bakers and beloved community pastry chefs. They provide support to students while they learn new recipes and techniques to create mouth-watering treats that students get to take home. Submit an interest form to connect with our Program Manager – Institute Certificates to learn more about our Baking Certificate and the specific ways you’ll help students learn the art of baking. No previous experience in baking is required to volunteer.

Requirements: Coaches are required to complete a screening interview and pass a background check.

Through the Project Success Institute Certificates program, Minneapolis high school students have the opportunity to take free classes in subjects including bicycle tech, baking, cooking, and creative writing at our newly renovated office located at 1 Groveland Terrace. Our Institute Certificates program is designed to help students build critical life and career skills that enrich their independence and cultivate creativity and curiosity. Volunteer coaches help support student learning by facilitating conversations and asking questions to drive curiosity and engagement. They have opportunities to share their real-life experiences that offer valuable insights while also developing their own leadership skills.

Each week on Thursday evenings, volunteer culinary adventures coaches help students dive into creative cooking, global cuisines, and advanced skills to elevate their kitchen game. They help students explore bold flavors, learn new techniques, and expand their culinary horizons with every dish. Submit an interest form to connect with our Program Manager – Institute Certificates to learn more about our Culinary Adventures Certificate and the specific ways you’ll help students elevate their kitchen game. No previous experience in cooking is required to volunteer.

Requirements: Coaches are required to complete a screening interview and pass a background check.

Every summer, Project Success brings middle school students to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). We have volunteer leaders that are paired with a trained wilderness guide and lead a group of 7 middle school students for a week-long outdoor adventure! Click here to learn more about becoming a BWCA Leader.

2025 Trip Dates
Trip 1: June 13 – 19, 2025
Trip 2: June 21 – 27, 2025
Trip 3: June 22 – 28, 2025
Trip 4: July 8 – 14, 2025

Requirements: BWCA Leaders are required to be 21 years of age, pass a background check, complete a screening interview, and participate in approximately six hours of training.

In addition to student-facing volunteer roles, we have opportunities for administrative and development volunteer work. Our development and administrative volunteers keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, helping us to continue working towards our mission.

The Project Success Engagement and Outreach (E&O) Committee is a dynamic and passionate group of community members that meets bimonthly with Development and Communications staff to increase community awareness and support. Activities include planning and executing fund- and friend-raising events such as Dine Out nights or fitness fundraisers, social media outreach to support the organization, and providing volunteer support for larger fundraising efforts such as mailings, large fundraising events, and/or peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. E&O Committee members also have the opportunity to host a Lunch and Learn event at their corporate office to increase visibility and spread awareness of Project Success and gain a service hour opportunity. E&O Committee members benefit from networking with each other, working with local businesses and organizations to support Project Success, and contributing to the important mission of connecting students to their purpose. 

Throughout the year, there may be volunteer support needed for administrative work at the Project Success office or out in the community at fundraising events. This work could include addressing, stuffing, and sealing envelopes for mailings, packaging up supplies or items for students and families, writing letters of encouragement to Project Success students, or a variety of other tasks. Volunteers in this category will be reached out to throughout the year on an as-needed basis by members of the PS staff team.

“Being a volunteer for Project Success is one of the most satisfying volunteer opportunities for me. I like connecting with students during the drive to events and sitting with them. We are all part of the Northside Minneapolis neighborhood, so it is good to meet the kids who will be tomorrow’s adults in my area. I try to bring a positive experience into their lives, sitting with me as an adult, having conversation, and sometimes seeing them dressing up for a special play or event. Every time I see them enjoy something ‘new’, and they open up, we have some wonderful conversations. They are as surprised by me as I am by them. Project Success is something special in ALL of our lives.”
 – Lynne Young, Volunteer Driver

Contact us

We’re here to help!

Reach out if you have any questions about the volunteer opportunities available and the process to becoming a part of our incredible group of Project Success volunteers.