Volunteer Services

St. Cloud Area School District 742 is certified by Points of Light as a nationally recognized service enterprise. A service enterprise is an organization that fundamentally leverages volunteers and their skills throughout its organization to successfully deliver on its social mission. District 742 is the first school district in Minnesota to receive certification and one of two districts nationally to achieve Service Enterprise Certification.

Research conducted by the TCC Group, a national program and evaluation firm, found that organizations operating as service enterprises outperform peer organizations on all aspects of organizational effectiveness, and are more adaptable, sustainable and capable of scaling their work.

District 742 completed an extensive assessment, over 20 hours of training and consulting, and extensive internal planning and change to better integrate volunteers in its day-to-day operations. By achieving this level of excellence and certification, District 742 is now better equipped to leverage the time and talent of volunteers to better meet its mission. This certification recognizes the best practices already in place in the District and allows a framework for the District to build on that success through service enterprise.

Some current examples of service enterprise initiatives underway are:

• Encouraging best practices in volunteer engagement by offering staff development and training
• Securing internal funding to cover the costs of criminal background checks for volunteers and community partners serving in our schools
• Increasing collaboration with internal and external volunteer programs and community partners to ensure consistency and program growth
• Providing a welcoming experience to new and existing volunteers

Former Superintendent Willie Jett remarked on the certification,

“Our school district depends upon the partnership, goodwill, support and engagement of individuals and organizations throughout our community in order to fulfill its educational mission. This recognition illustrates that we maintain, but also build upon, the success of our volunteer programs.”

St. Cloud Area School District 742 volunteer recognition program honors individuals who have demonstrated particular dedication and commitment through consistent volunteering. Volunteers serve as adult role models to students while encouraging them to do well in school. Visit the following pages to learn more.

For questions, contact the District 742 volunteer services office at 320-370-8200 or email volunteer@isd742.org.

Thank you for choosing to volunteer your time with St. Cloud Area School District 742! All volunteers are asked to complete a Volunteer Information Form and a criminal background check. If you have questions at any time regarding volunteering, please contact volunteer services at 320-370-8200 or volunteer@isd742.org.

Online Resources

• Applicant Instructions
• Volunteer Re-Check Step 1

  If you are returning to volunteer or have previously completed a District 742 criminal background check as an employee, student teacher/intern or volunteer

• District 742 Calendars

• District 742 Policies
• Volunteer Handbook

Know your purpose as a volunteer:

• What does the student/teacher need you to do?
• What does the outcome look like?
• What should the students be able to do after working with you?
• If you have questions, do not be afraid to ask!

Build positive relationships with students:

• Be helpful.
• Be a positive influence for students.
• Learn more about their school – the district website is a powerful tool to learn more about school “norms” and activities.

Have fun!

• This time is for you to experience working with students – make it positive for you and the students!
• You are helping in your community!