Primary School
Newcomer families often need help figuring out how to enroll children in school and get them started on the road to academic success. NAC volunteers provide support in a number of ways. If you are a family that needs support, please fill out our Help Request Form. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer Application.
For information on colleges, universities, and trade schools, see our Higher Education page.
Registration
In the U.S., primary school is free, and families most often enroll children in the school district where they live. NAC volunteers assist with filling out forms and guiding them through the registration process.
Supplies
A backpack and school supplies school can be a big expense for struggling families. NAC sponsors a Backpack Drive, asking for donations of backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, crayons, rulers, and other supplies.
Transportation
NAC volunteers help families figure out the best transportation to school—that could be walking, riding a bike, taking a bus, or being part of carpool of NAC volunteer drivers. NAC also sponsors a Bike Campaign, providing free bikes, helmets and locks.
Tutoring
Students whose English is not fluent or who are overcoming trauma may need help to keep up with homework. NAC volunteers provide homework help via Zoom and can direct students to additional local resources.
Books
Multiple studies show that reading at an early age leads to success throughout school. NAC’s Book Campaign solicits children’s books from the community. Newcomer families choose free books to take home.
Library Card
A library card offers free access to books, magazines, videos, test prep programs, online training, and more. NAC volunteers help families apply for a library card and teach them how to access resources at their local library.
Translation
When a family whose English is not proficient needs to communicate with a teacher, counselor or school staff, NAC connects them with a volunteer translator.
Tech
A laptop or tablet is essential for today’s eduction. Thanks to generous donations by NAC volunteers, NAC has provided devices to students in need and trained them how to set up and use them.
Summer Camp
Kids need enrichment programs during the summer, and NAC helps families find summer camps and apply for reduced cost programs or helps subsidize costs.
Links for additional resources:
Uncommon Good is a local nonprofit that has a Connect to College program that walks high school students through the entire process of looking at, applying to, and preparing to attend college. It offers college tours, assistance applying for the FAFSA and scholarships, workshops for applying to UCs and CSUs, and guidance on accepting college offers. It follows up with workshops that teach how to thrive in college, with topics from budgeting, taxes, and obtaining on-campus jobs, to choosing classes and networking.
HMC Homework Help is a free service provided by college students at Harvey Mudd College, one of the Claremont Colleges. Students can get tutoring in math and science from some of the top college students in the country.
The Los Angeles Public Library offers free tutoring in both English and Spanish. All you need is a LA County library card. The service is for all ages, including adult learners, in a wide range of subjects. This is part of a new (2022) statewide program at all public libraries in California.
Many local adult schools and other resources offer tutoring and resources for English as a Second Language learning. You can find some of them listed on our Programs page.