Business Details
31 Years
experience
Transform Education Through Experiential Learning
Since 1995, Citizen Schools has been a leader in experiential learning, dedicated to transforming middle school education through hands-on, community-connected programs. Founded by Eric Schwarz and Ned Rimer, our organization partners with schools and districts to integrate real-world projects and volunteer mentorship into classrooms, fostering creativity, curiosity, and essential life skills. With over 28 years of experience, we have engaged 50,000+ students, collaborated with 17,000+ volunteers, and supported 650 educators nationwide. Our approach emphasizes confidence, diversity, and perseverance, preparing students for future success.We work closely with AmeriCorps Fellows and community partners to deliver year-long service programs, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities. Our team of experts, including directors in philanthropy, operations, and educator development, drives systemic change in education. Recognized for our impact, 95% of host sites report excellent experiences with our AmeriCorps Fellows. We remain committed to innovation, transparency, and collaboration, ensuring every student thrives in school and beyond.
Services
Experience-Based Learning Projects
AmeriCorps Fellowship Program
Volunteer Mentorship Matching
Educator Development Training
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have 28 years of experience in experiential learning programs.
- We partner with 17,000+ volunteers to enhance classroom education.
- 95% of AmeriCorps Fellow Host Sites report excellent experiences.
- Our team includes experts in education, philanthropy, and operations.
- We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all programs.
What people say
Students grew as independent learners
Confidence in experiential learning practices
Excellent host site experience
Services
Experience-Based Learning Projects
We design hands-on projects that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students collaborate with mentors to solve problems, develop presentations, and gain career insights. This approach builds critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence for K-12 learners.
AmeriCorps Fellowship Program
We place trained AmeriCorps Fellows in schools for year-long partnerships. Fellows support educators in delivering experiential learning, mentor students, and bridge community resources. This program strengthens schools while providing fellows with impactful service experience.
Volunteer Mentorship Matching
We connect volunteers with classrooms to serve as mentors for student projects. Mentors share career expertise, guide problem-solving, and foster relationships. This enriches learning through diverse perspectives and real-world context.
People
Nadia K. Selby
CEO
Nadia K. Selby leads Citizen Schools with a focus on equity in education. She has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and systemic reform, driving partnerships to expand experiential learning access for underserved students.
Eric Schwarz
Co-Founder
Eric Schwarz co-founded Citizen Schools in 1995, pioneering experiential learning models. As a social innovation leader, he advocates for community-driven education reforms and continues to shape national conversations on student engagement.
Erika Alvarez
Director, Philanthropy
Erika Alvarez directs fundraising efforts at Citizen Schools, leveraging strategic partnerships to support program growth. Her expertise in nonprofit finance ensures sustainable expansion of mentorship and learning initiatives.
Brian O'Neil
Director, AmeriCorps Fellowship
Brian O'Neil oversees the AmeriCorps Fellowship Program, placing trained fellows in schools nationwide. He focuses on scaling service opportunities that strengthen education while providing fellows with professional development.
Victoria Thornton
Director, Volunteer Community
Victoria Thornton builds volunteer networks for Citizen Schools, engaging professionals as mentors. She develops programs that align corporate and community resources with student needs, enhancing mentorship impact.
Questions
What is Citizen Schools' core mission?
We help K-12 students thrive through hands-on learning and career mentorship.
How do you partner with schools?
We place AmeriCorps Fellows and volunteers in classrooms to enhance curriculum with real-world projects.
Can professionals volunteer as mentors?
Yes, we match volunteers with schools to guide student projects and share career insights.
Which regions do you serve?
We operate in California, Massachusetts, New York, and partner nationally with schools.
How does experiential learning benefit students?
It builds critical skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and confidence through real-world applications.
Videos
