The S.M.A.R.T. (Student Mentoring and Academic Reinforcement Tutoring) Program is a student-based program designed by Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill students who have been or are currently involved in the Robertson Scholars Program.

Volunteers in this program work toward establishing and maintaining a sense of normalcy for our pediatric patients by:

• Helping children with their school work
• Providing a listening ear for the patients
• Providing relief and support to the parents/guardians of the patients

Opportunities

Valvano Day Hospital

Working in the Valvano Day Hospital, which is located on the fourth floor of Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center, S.M.A.R.T. volunteers assist in helping children participate in activities such as arts and crafts, reading, and playing games. The goal is to create some normalcy and fun while the children are undergoing treatment.

Volunteers in this program also serve as tutors for children undergoing treatment who would like help with their school work.

The DPS Hospital School

The Hospital School is part of the Durham Public Schools, located within Duke University Medical Center. The School serves students, pre-k through grade 12, who are receiving treatment at Duke University Hospital.

S.M.A.R.T. volunteers assist the Hospital School with tutoring in a variety of subjects, including math, sciences, social studies/history, and foreign languages. These interactions are set up with the volunteer and a staff member from the Hospital School as needed.

Lenox Baker Children's Hospital

Lenox Baker Children's Hospital is located about a mile from the Duke University Hospital. Volunteers work in the main waiting room playing with and entertaining the patients.

The goal is to keep the kids happy for their stay and have them forget that they are indeed in a hospital. Volunteers are given a chance to build relationships with these children and their parents.

Contact Information

Contact: Jarey Wang
E-mail: jarey.wang@duke.edu

Other Details

Program location: Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center; the Hospital School; Lenox Baker Children's Hospital

Training provided: Volunteer orientation session -- which includes fire and safety, compliance, HIPAA, service recovery, etc. -- and job-specific training

Time commitment: Two to four hours per week, two-semester commitment

Conditions: Must currently be a college or graduate student, have excellent interpersonal skills, be a good listener with friendly personality, work well with children, be reliable, be flexible, and have the ability to adapt well to change.