Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Richmond Public Schools! Whether you wish to volunteer individually or as part of a group, regularly or occasionally, we have opportunities for everyone.
To get started, please complete this online application. Most of our volunteers are required to complete a criminal background check at a cost of $7 every year. If required, this will be done during the application process and can be paid only with credit, debit, or other purchasing cards. Our system does not accept cash, check, or invoiced payments.
Certain prior conduct may disqualify a volunteer applicant. Volunteers will not be approved for the following reasons:
Please review the qualifications carefully before submitting your application. Ensure the information you enter matches your government-issued ID, including your full legal name, and provide a valid email address for communication about your application status and future updates.
All applications are regularly reviewed by RPS staff to ensure that all volunteer requirements are satisfied, including attendance at a Volunteer Orientation. If you apply to volunteer more than halfway through a semester, you may not be able to begin volunteering until the following semester, as our volunteer orientations are only offered from July to November and from January to March.
Once your application is approved, you will be placed at a school and introduced to your volunteer point of contact, who will follow up to schedule your first volunteer visit.
Volunteer applicants should expect to hear from us within 1-2 weeks after completing an application. Applications received during RPS breaks, including summer and winter breaks, may take longer to approve but we will be in touch once our school-based staff are ready to welcome you!
IMPORTANT: Please remember that you must check in at the front office and sign in via the Raptor system EVERY time you arrive at an RPS school or facility. The volunteer portal will track your hours and activities.
For any questions about the application process, please contact the Engagement Office at 804-584-7916 or volunteers@rvaschools.net.