Hernandez Foundation for Education | Lifecraft | Mentorship
Forging leaders, not followers.
Education redefined. Lifecraft mastered. Mentorship applied.
OUR OVERALL MISSION(S)
Education
Mentorship
Education
REMODEL Education Reform Plan: Rebuilding how we teach, from the ground up, to prioritize life skills, logic, and self-mastery.
Lifecraft
Mentorship
Education
Giving initatives funding transformative experiences from creative arts to martial arts, to thrive, not just survive.
Mentorship
Mentorship
Mentorship
Through guiding presence, mentorship fuels growth, shaping leaders who rise, give back, and thrive.
Seeking Volunteers (Adults)
Grant Writing
The Grant Writer helps fuel the Foundation’s mission by identifying, drafting, and submitting competitive proposals to public and private funders. Working closely with program staff and leadership, this volunteer turns our impact into clear narratives, gathers required attachments (budgets, 501(c)(3) letter, staffing charts), and manages a simple deadline calendar for LOIs, proposals, and reports. Ideal candidates are strong writers who enjoy research, can translate outcomes into measurable objectives, and are comfortable collaborating over shared documents. This role is perfect for remote or hybrid service; expect 4–6 hours per week during active cycles. No youth contact is required for this position, though occasional site visits to observe programs are encouraged.
Volunteer Intake & Training Lead
This behind‑the‑scenes champion strengthens our whole volunteer pipeline. The Lead screens applicants, schedules orientations, ensures required forms/clearances are complete (AB 506, Live Scan, TB if needed), and checks in on new volunteers at 30/60 days. Ideal for organized communicators who enjoy systems. 3–5 hours per week; hybrid/remote.
Extracurricular Activities Coordinator
The Extracurricular Activities Coordinator brings enrichment to life—organizing clubs, workshops, and field trips (arts, sports, STEM, service) that complement our academic programming. This volunteer recruits/invites activity leaders, builds simple session plans with staff, manages sign‑ups and permissions, and ensures logistics, safety, and supplies are in place. On program days they greet families, take attendance, and keep the schedule moving; between events they confirm partners and track costs within a provided budget template. Expect 3–5 hours per week, with peaks around events. Screening: AB 506 steps are required for adult volunteers who regularly supervise minors; school‑site events may require TB clearance.
Youth Mentor (Ages 5–12)
The Youth Mentor (5–12) builds confidence and curiosity in elementary‑age children through structured, staff‑led homework help, reading buddies, arts/STEM projects, and positive play. Mentors model kindness, encourage effort, and help maintain a calm, inclusive space—always following the two‑adult rule and clear boundaries (no 1:1 closed‑door time, no personal messaging). Volunteers receive orientation, simple activity guides, and real‑time support from site staff. A typical shift is 2–3 hours, once or twice per week, during after‑school hours. Screening: For adult mentors serving regularly with minors, AB 506 training and Live Scan are required; school‑site shifts may also require TB clearance.
Youth Mentor (Ages 13–19)
The Youth Mentor (13–19) supports teens in building academic momentum, post‑secondary vision, and life skills. In small groups or structured workshops, mentors facilitate study sessions, share college/career journeys, practice professional communication, and connect youth to enrichment opportunities—without offering therapy or legal advice. Mentors uphold strong boundaries (no private DMs, no transportation) and partner with staff when sensitive issues arise. A steady presence (2–3 hours per week for a semester) matters most. Screening: Because this program serves minors, adult volunteers who mentor regularly complete AB 506 mandated‑reporter training and Live Scan; school‑site placements may require TB clearance.
Young‑Adult Mentor (Ages 20–25)
The Young‑Adult Mentor walks with transitional‑age participants as they navigate college persistence, first jobs, budgeting, housing stability, and community. Mentors focus on practical problem‑solving—setting goals, editing résumés, practicing interviews, connecting to campus or workforce resources—and know when to hand off to staff for specialized support. Conversations may happen on site or virtually; a typical commitment is 3–4 hours per month for at least six months. Because participants are adults, AB 506 does not apply; however, we provide boundaries training and may complete a standard background screen depending on duties.
Parent Concierge (Family Navigator)
The Parent Concierge is the friendly first stop for families—welcoming new parents, handling basic intake, and connecting them to programs, calendars, and community resources (childcare, food, benefits, legal clinics). This volunteer schedules orientations, sends reminders, helps parents complete forms, and logs support provided in a simple database while protecting privacy. Strong bilingual communicators shine in this role. Shifts are on‑site during program hours or by phone/text follow‑up (2–4 hours per week). Screening includes orientation, confidentiality training, and a standard background check; AB 506 applies only if the role involves regular direct supervision of minors.
Fathers Mentor / Group Facilitator
The Fathers Mentor creates a welcoming, judgment‑free space where dads strengthen parenting skills, co‑parenting communication, and family stability. Volunteers co‑facilitate small groups using staff‑provided curricula, model positive father engagement, and help connect participants to employment, education, or community resources. This is a relational role that values lived experience, active listening, and reliability; it is not therapy or legal advice. Meetings occur in the evenings or weekends (2–3 hours per week during cycles). Screening includes orientation, confidentiality agreement, and a standard background check; AB 506 applies only if the role includes regular supervision of minors.
College & Career Coach (Ages 16–25)
The Coach helps older youth clarify pathways after high school—mapping coursework, exploring certificates/majors, editing résumés and personal statements, and practicing interviews. Coaches connect participants with internships, FAFSA/CA Dream Act resources, and campus/student‑support services. 2–4 hours per week for one term. AB 506: required only if regularly mentoring minors (16–17).
Data & Evaluation Volunteer
This role turns activity into insight. The volunteer cleans attendance/hours, updates simple dashboards, and helps capture outcomes and stories for grants and reports—always with an eye to data privacy. 2–4 hours per week; remote/hybrid; no youth contact.
Communications & Storytelling Volunteer
The Communications volunteer helps share our impact by drafting short features, designing flyers, and posting to approved channels—using only staff‑approved photos and signed media releases. 2–3 hours per week; remote/hybrid. No youth contact required.
Seeking Volunteers (Youth, <18)
Data & Evaluation Volunteer
This role turns activity into insight. The volunteer cleans attendance/hours, updates simple dashboards, and helps capture outcomes and stories for grants and reports—always with an eye to data privacy. 2–4 hours per week; remote/hybrid.
Communications & Storytelling Volunteer
The Communications volunteer helps share our impact by drafting short features, designing flyers, and posting to approved channels—using only staff‑approved photos and signed media releases. 2–3 hours per week; remote/hybrid.