In the fall of 2009 Watershed launched The Catapult Project. The Catapult Project is a strategic partnership between Watershed & Walter G. Byers Elementary where the Watershed Community works towards supporting Byers’ students, staff and families. Watershed has chosen to focus on this school because of its direct impact on the neighborhoods surrounding the location where Watershed meets on Sunday mornings. These areas are also home to some of Charlotte’s highest concentration of at-risk and homeless families. Some of the city’s greatest resources have been directed to this area, but the one piece we felt was lacking was relational equity. Since the launch of The Catapult Project, we have seen volunteers provide this relational equity that we all so deeply need and desire.

Since our launch, we have begun the first ever in-school math & reading tutor program. We also implemented Byers’ first Girls On The Run program led by Watershed volunteers, and for two straight years we have provided volunteer leaders to run the Right Moves for Youth program. This past year, we also provided a “teacher pal” for every teacher at Byers, and provided support during their staff meetings and on holidays to show appreciation for how they love on the students and families of the school.

Click here to get involved with the Catapult Project.

Here are the current open volunteer opportunities:

		Tutoring One of the biggest needs at Byers Elementary each year is for tutors to help the students excel.  Tutors come to Byers once a week for roughly 45 minutes, and spend time helping to tutor either one or a group of students in reading. Time slots are available between 8:30am and 3:00pm.
		Staff Appreciation A large part of The Catapult Project is investing in the staff at Byers so that they can in turn pour into the students.  During the school year, we have periodic opportunitites to show appreciation to the staff (bringing snacks for the teacher work room, food/drinks for staff meetings, and much more)
		Teacher Pals The teachers at Byers are an obvious key to students’ success and put in a tremendous amount of work in a challenging environment. Teacher Pals take time to recognize and support teachers with encouraging notes and small gifts of gratitude.  The commitment runs from October through June.
		Right Moves For Youth Right Moves is a program that helps kids build a sense of belonging and self-esteem, while providing them the encouragement, support and resources they need to build a successful foundation for life.  The program meets on Wednesday from 1:20-2:00pm, and on Friday from 2:20-3:10pm.