Rain of Hope youth programs enable children and youth to overcome adversity by providing them with the necessary skills to develop inner strength and resolve to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.  Through a carefully devised curricula, Rain of Hope's youth programs introduce children to the fact that our actions are “raindrops,” creating ripples that impact ourselves and those around us.  Rain of Hope's youth programs teach children why they should choose to help their community, and how doing to empowers them to find their voice and bring change to their world.

These volunteer positions are ideal for college and high school students interested in pursuing careers working with children!   

Youth Program Mentors:  (4 to 6 openings)

Youth Program Mentors work with children in 1^st through 4^th grade, supporting students in Rain of Hope youth programs.  Each program supports social and emotional (SEL) development, while has proven to be fun and engaging!  The program has been running for over four years – and youth are excited for the return!  Programs run for one to two hours weekly, for a total of 20 weeks from November 15^th through May 30^th.  Classes are taught at Clinton Avenue School in New Haven on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Martinez School in New Haven on Wednesdays. 

Volunteers support and mentor youth weekly during Rain of Hope programs.  SCSU students interested in internships will learn how to teach and support youth in SEL skills, including mindful meditation, emotional communication, active listening, etc.  Interns will also have opportunity to lead and direct classes.   Ideal for students planning careers working with children and youth.

Lyrics ‘n Music Matters (Thursdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm at Clinton Avenue School)

Lyrics ‘n Music Matters empowers students to express themselves in a positive manner by working collaboratively to write lyrics and create songs to be shared with the community.  Song messages written by students have pertained to the environment, anti-bullying, education, integration, and faith, to name a few.  Students work with a local music producer, recording their own song track!  (This class consists of 3^rd & 4^th graders.)

Friendship Matters (Tuesdays from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Clinton Avenue School)

Friendship Matters promotes positive relationships through lessons focused on collaboration, communication/listening, openness/understanding, kindness, and mindfulness.   Each lesson stresses the importance of these characteristics in peer relationships and includes engaging activities for students to practice these skills.  The trick is that the lessons are reinforced through extremely engaging, fun activities that get youth excited to build SEL skills weekly!  (This class consists of 1^st & 2^nd  graders.)

Community Matters

Community Matters, Rain of Hope’s most advanced program, allows students to create and lead a project that will serve their community in a manner meaningful to them. The students are empowered to build a service learning project based on changes THEY want to see in their community.  Rain of Hope’s curriculum guides students through research, project development, budgeting, and time management to help students build, implement and assess community and  advocacy projects.  (This class consists of 7^th & 8^th graders.)

We also need volunteers to support our Spring community events.  We are happy to invite SCSU students, specifically in the Hospitality and Tourism program to help plan and implement an intergenerational Super Hero Bash and a Spring concert for youth in our Lyrics ‘n Music Matters program.  Each event has a set budget, and has been run in the past – SCSU students are invited to build on past events!