Aaron Bock describes the day he "wandered into Volunteer Connection" three and a half years ago. He learned about the "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County (IHAD), a year-round, long-term intervention program offering free tutoring, mentoring and cultural enrichment to low-income students. IHAD targets elementary and middle schoolers, offering them guidance through high-school graduation. IHAD motivates at-risk kids to stick with school-and shows them that college is a real possibility.

Bock, 28, a librarian and graduate student, has spent four hours per week tutoring the same group of Centaurus High School juniors since they were eighth graders at Angevine Middle School. One year, he mentored an individual student for 12 hours per week.

"I enjoy the small personal interactions and getting to know the students," said Bock. "It's challenging and rewarding to help students finish their homework." Bock said volunteering has made him more patient, a trait valuable to him as a librarian.

"I gain new insights every time I tutor-but knowing I'm helping others is all I need."

For information about volunteering with "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.