By working under the guidance of University organizations or departments, students learn as they contribute to the community. Students may decide to volunteer their time as a way of serving social justice, but without any link to the educational curriculum, many students would continue to serve in soup kitchens but wouldn't ever question why we have soup kitchens. It is about doing something with someone and being a part of building a stronger social structure. Students often select a literacy volunteer experience as a way to test their career decisions or develop career skills. Education majors can focus on working with elementary, junior high, or high school students.
Spanish majors can practice their language skills.
Sociology students can enhance their coursework with field experience. The skills required of a literacy tutor, however, apply to most careers. Students learn to work with diverse populations, develop interpersonal communications, do lesson planning, use computer skills, and practice patience. Team work, conflict resolution, leadership, and public speaking are frequently called for. Sometimes, choosing to volunteer in literacy training comes not from a plan for the future but from a student's personal history.