At San Diego Unified, we know that belonging is built when we show up for one another. Through partnerships with local organizations, our staff have the chance to contribute in ways that strengthen connection, nurture community wellness, and remind us that small acts can have large impacts. Volunteering is more than giving time — it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Explore the opportunities below and discover how you can get involved. Together, our collective efforts ripple out beyond the classroom and into the heart of San Diego.
At San Diego Unified, we know that belonging is built when we show up for one another. Through partnerships with local organizations, our staff have the chance to contribute in ways that strengthen connection, nurture community wellness, and remind us that small acts can have large impacts. Volunteering is more than giving time — it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Explore the opportunities below and discover how you can get involved. Together, our collective efforts ripple out beyond the classroom and into the heart of San Diego.
If you learn of volunteer events or projects that SDUSD employees take part in, we welcome you to share them with us. By submitting opportunities through this FORM, CSA can highlight them on our district website and help connect colleagues with ways to give back together.
Volunteer Opportunities
Bay Park Elementary - Be Part of the Stingray Community
When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Time: 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Where:Bay Park Elementary | 2433 Denver Ave. San Diego, CA 92110
What you’ll do:Come spend time with our amazing students during lunch and recess. We are looking for friendly, caring volunteers who enjoy connecting with children, sparking smiles, and helping build a positive school community. Be a Lunch Buddy: Sit with students at the lunch tables, have conversations, and be a friendly presence who brightens their day. Read in the Library: Spend time reading with students and encouraging their love of books during recess. Build with Legos: On Fridays, help facilitate Lego play sessions where students can create, collaborate, and share ideas. Join Playground Fun: Interact with students as they play games, including our fifth grade Game Leaders who help organize activities for younger students. Be a Mentor: Sometimes just watching, listening, or sharing a laugh makes all the difference. You will be helping students feel seen, valued, and supported.
Requirements:Completion of Volunteer Application - Our Staff at Bay Park Elementary can assist with all requirements for volunteers.
Contact: Principal Melissa Roy-Wood – [email protected] / 858-437-4753
Additional Notes: If you enjoy children, conversation, and the energy of an elementary school playground, this is a wonderful opportunity to be part of our Stingray community. Volunteers are not responsible for supervision. Our noon duty supervisors manage lunch and recess routines and address behavior as needed. Your role is to build connections, model kindness, and bring extra joy to our students’ day. Your time and presence can make a lasting impact, just as little as one hour a week helps our students feel seen, supported, and connected to their school community!!
Words Alive – Classroom Volunteer
When: Weekdays, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (sessions last 60-90 minutes; schedule TBD by your availability)
Where: Various San Diego Unified schools (location based on your geographic area)
What you’ll do: Support classroom‐based literacy programming for ages 0-18 and their families; assist teachers; help with reading and in-class activities.
Requirements: Words Alive orientation and program training; mandated reporter training (active certifications accepted); live scan background check (must be run through Words Alive); negative TB test; signed COVID waiver/attestation.
Contact: Robyn Grand – [email protected] / 858-274-9673; see more at wordsalive.org/becomeavolunteer
Additional Notes: Info sessions are held monthly at the Words Alive office, located at 770 Park Blvd.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County – Be a Big Brother / Sister
When: Ongoing; 6-month commitment (1:1 match with a Little)
Where: Throughout San Diego County
What you’ll do: Mentor a young person (age 7-18); share activities like hiking, reading, sports, or just being a positive presence and support.
Requirements: Must live in San Diego County; be 18+; valid Social Security Number; stable & consistent availability.
Contact: Christopher Santos – [email protected] / 858-746-9168; sign-up form at sdbigs.org/volunteer/
Additional Notes: None specified beyond the standard match and commitment details.
BLISS Care Foundation – “Bliss-Full Thanksgiving / Jingle Bliss”
When: Between November 22, 2025 and December 20, 2025
Where: 1283 East Main Street, Ste 104, El Cajon, CA 92021
What you’ll do: Kitchen help; packing, serving, and deliveries; event setup and cleanup; media support.
Requirements: 18 years old and up; underage volunteers need adult supervision.
Contact: Ruben Garcia – [email protected] / 619-402-5903
Additional Notes: It’s a family-friendly event; children are welcome and have fun. A sign-up link or QR code can be provided.
Classics 4 Kids – Classroom Docent
When: Next docent training: October 15th, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM; classroom visits scheduled throughout the year once schools sign up
Where: Training at 3033 Fifth Avenue, Suite 227, San Diego, CA 92103; classroom visits vary by school site
What you'll do: Serve as a docent — a trained volunteer who leads engaging presentations in classrooms about upcoming orchestra field trips. You’ll introduce students to composers, musical concepts, and concert etiquette. New volunteers may shadow an experienced docent before leading on their own.
Requirements: Background check (provided by Classics 4 Kids); attend training; availability during school hours for classroom visits.
Contact: Corrine Huber – [email protected]
Additional Notes: Volunteers are crucial to creating a welcoming and fun environment at performances. Training is provided for each role. Please email Corrine Huber, Classics 4 Kids Program Manager, to join the Docent team and receive more information.
Classics 4 Kids – Event Volunteer
When: Flexible, aligned with concerts and organizational events
Where: Concert venues and event locations throughout San Diego
What you'll do: Assist with hands-on support during concerts and special events. Roles may include ushering, greeting families, distributing programs, or helping with interactive activities for students.
Requirements: Enthusiasm for working with families and children; ability to attend scheduled events.
Contact: Corrine Huber – [email protected]
Additional Notes: Concerts take place at the Balboa Theatre and the Joan B. Kroc Theatre.
Dates:
November 5th & 6th @ 9:45am & 11:30am - Joan B. Kroc Theatre
March 3rd & 4th @ 9:45am & 11:30am - Joan B. Kroc Theatre
March 10th @ 10:30am - Balboa Theatre
May 12th @ 10:30am - Balboa Theatre
May 14th & 15th @ 9:45am & 11:30am - Joan B. Kroc Theatre
Please email Corrine Huber, Program Manager, to sign up and receive more information.