Volunteers must undergo screening and participate in monthly workshops. Big Siblings make, at a minimum, a two year commitment to spend three to five hours per week with their little brother or sister. Recent events have included visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a New York Yankees game, and a day of rollerblading in Central Park. A learning partnership is created where volunteers are able to understand students' academic strengths and areas of need while helping each student reach their potential. The program includes play groups, tutoring, weekend field trips, and pre-school preparation.
Volunteers provide children with a safe environment in which to learn and play.
Working with other agencies and campus groups, Community Impact receives donations of play space, equipment, and inexpensive or free entrance to events around the city for these families. Volunteers are matched with students individually to ensure that the mentor and student share similar academic and personal interests. Mentors and students develop a contract outlining academic objectives and activities for the semester. The group also organizes group and recreational activities. Tutoring volunteers are matched with neighborhood children as tutors for academic support focused on the specific needs of each child.