Making Connections by Volunteering at the Cambridge Community Learning Center

When you move to a new place, it can be difficult to make friends and build a sense of belonging. Some people turn to volunteering as a way to connect with their new community.   

Mark Raj moved to Cambridge from Kentucky in 2023. He had a new job as a software engineer and worked from home. “When I moved to Cambridge, I was looking for connection. I started looking for volunteer opportunities,” explains Mark. “My family is full of teachers and there was always an expectation to give back to my community. I started tutoring people in high school and worked as a teaching assistant in college, and I really liked it.” He searched online and came across opportunities to volunteer at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC).    

Mark met with the CLC’s Volunteer Coordinators, Abra and Whit, to learn about how he could get involved with the CLC. At first, he tutored a student in math. Now he helps as a class aide for the High School Equivalency Credential Program. 

“I love being in a class," says Mark. "I love working with adult learners because they are so committed; they are sacrificing time and money to study. I really like seeing them grow and learn."  

Mark has found a sense of belonging and connection by volunteering at the CLC. 

“Learning is such a human act. Everyone — no matter their background — learns in similar ways. I like to figure out how I can help people learn best,” says Mark, smiling. “The students (at the CLC) are motivated to meet their goals.” 

Would you like to connect more with your community and help adult learners reach their goals? For more information, email us at clc@cambridgema.gov or visit our website. 

Photo Caption: Mark Raj works with students Lyva Amers (center) and Kenia Perry (right) during a class at the CLC.