No! The primary qualification is to be a caring adult (or young person 16 or over)! Many children and young people would benefit greatly from the general knowledge and life skills you possess. However, if you do have specialized skills, please let us know when you sign up to mentor or tutor. Some examples of and demands for specialized skills or training from our partners include:

• Math: math-adept tutors have helped students prepare for calculus
• Reading: Reading specialists can diagnose barriers to reading and “prescribe” or deliver specific exercises to help overcome barriers.
• Writing: Understanding how to formulate logical arguments for college admissions essays is helpful. Some of our volunteers make a living as a writer.
• Financial literacy: We have placed volunteers from financial services who can help students budget for college.
• Science: We have a volunteer who has developed an innovative biology curriculum.