Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to know a second language to volunteer with Fast Forward?

A: No.  However, if you are fluent in a language other than English, please let us know that during the application process.  It may be useful in matching you with student participants.

Q: Do I need to be majoring in a particular field in order to volunteer with Fast Forward?

A: No.  Our volunteers have many different areas of study, and that is part of what helps us provide such outstanding service to our student participants. 

Q: I don't have a car.  Can I still volunteer?

A: Absolutely!  We provide transportation for all of our volunteers.

Q:  What is the time committment required of College Mentors?

A:  College Mentors are required to devote 4-5 hours per week to the Fast Forward Youth Program (including transportation time).  College Mentors volunteer on either even OR odd days according to their assigned sites.  For example, students at Site A meet every Monday and Tuesday.  A College Mentor assigned to even days at Site A would volunteer any time an even day fell on Monday or Tuesday (Monday one week, Tuesday the next, etc.).  There are additional opportunities to accompany students on field trips or participate in on-campus events during the school year, but College Mentors are only invited (not required) to partake in these activities.

Q: I know that Fast Forward is an after-school program.  Can I still volunteer if I have a 2:40 class every day?

A:  Yes.  Our South Side Boys & Girls Club site in St. Cloud holds evening sessions instead of meeting right after school.

Q: I really want to volunteer, but I have a night class that starts at 6:00 p.m.  Can we still work something out?

A: Yes. We will do our best to assign you to a site and schedule of service that will best accommodate your schedule and ours.  

Q: Can I get Service-Learning credit for my work with Fast Forward?

A: That depends on your situation.  Service-learning must be offered in one of your courses and the Fast Forward Youth Program must be a community partner that is acceptable to your professor.  Courses that have regularly partnered with Fast Forward are Education 111, Introduction to Peace Studies, and Developmental Psychology. 

Q:   How old are the students who participate in Fast Forward?

A: Our students participants are in the eleventh and twelfth grades, and most of them are 16-19 years old. 

Q: Why do you work specifically with low-income youth and/or those who would be the first generation in their families to go to college?

A: Students from low-income families and "first generation" students are statistically underrepresented on college campuses.  While they are equally as bright and talented, these students often face barriers that their peers from middle and high-income, college-educated families do not.  Thus, many college-qualified low-income and first generation students do not end up engaging in higher education.  Fast Forward seeks to offer these students access to the resources and information necessary to make college their reality.

Q: Does Fast Forward work with only Catholic youth or promote Catholicism?

A: No.  We provide services to our student participants regardless of their religious preference.  We represent our Catholic colleges by striving to set a positive example and modeling the Benedictine values, but we do not advocate any specific religion or denomination. 

Q: How do I get involved?

A: Visit our "How Do I Volunteer" page to find out!