Partners Offering Work Experience and Responsibility for Students

The POWERS program, (formally known as SWOP) is an eight week long, hands-on life experience designed for students aged 11-14. It will guide participants through the expectations, responsibilities and fun of volunteer opportunities available throughout the greater Virginia Area.

Dates and Times:
June 2, 2026 to July 23, 2026
meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Program start time will be at 10:00am sharp.
The work day ends at 2:00pm.
Drop off as early as 9:30am / pick up no later than 2:30pm.

REGISTER TODAY!

Questions and Comments:
volunteer@chair-mn.org

Overview:
The POWERS program,(formally known as SWOP) is an eight week long, hands-on life experience designed for students aged 11-14. It will guide participants through the expectations, responsibilities and fun of volunteer opportunities available throughout the greater Virginia Area.

Dates and Times:
The POWERS program will run from June 2, 2026 to July 23, 2026, meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Participants can be dropped off as early as 9:30am, as the program start time will be at 10:00am sharp. Their work day ends at 2:00pm. All participants must be picked up no later than 2:30pm.

What to Expect:
Program participants will learn the basics of employment, including but not limited to: what it means to have a job, building work ethic, experiencing community service and establishing life skills while making a significant, positive impact in our community.
Practical experience will include: job shadowing, community volunteering, hand on experiences, community resource exploration, goal management (e.g. setting goals, achieving them and evaluation of the results), journaling, basic meal prep, and many small lessons that happen in the moment. Some of the specific skills to be covered include: staying home alone, babysitting training, basic first aid training, problem solving, phone safety, arts and theater. Participants will also have the opportunity to research individual opportunities and interests to share with the group.

Participants will receive a small stipend during week four and at graduation. Stipends are determined based on attendance, merit and daily/weekly self evaluations, with cooperation from volunteers.

In the future, the POWERS program aims to provide additional independent volunteer opportunities for participants (and families) year round.

Why it Matters:
Our eight week program shows participants the expectations and benefits of having a summer job in a safe and supportive setting. Our participants will learn the soft skills needed to get and keep a job. Participants will also learn the importance of customer service, hard work and how to set (and achieve) personal growth goals.