- Overnight field trip chaperones
- Mentors
- Tutors
- Coaches
- Non-supervised classroom assistants
- Day field trip chaperones
- Assistants in schools with administrative duties
- Other volunteer activities in contact with students while supervised
For more detailed information on Level 1 and Level 2 volunteers, please review this 1 Pager or email Sequetta Jeter, CPS Volunteer Program Manager
What is the process of becoming a CPS-approved Volunteer?
To apply to become a CPS-approved volunteer, please submit your organization’s APPLICATION HERE. Again, this is REQUIRED for all community partners who work directory with CPS students. Please see this CPS Volunteer Infographic for a detailed overview.
For questions about the volunteer opportunities and your application, please email volunteer@cps.edu or call 773-553-1544.
Are CPS volunteers allowed to return (or begin) in-person programming within schools this SY21-22?
Yes, all CPS volunteers are allowed to return to back to in-person programming. Please see the volunteer approval process guidance to ensure approved status.
Do all volunteers have to submit vaccination cards?
Yes, all volunteers need to submit vaccination cards (unless they have received a religious or medical accommodation). Please view CPS’s Department of Procurement email that was shared.
Vendors
What is a CPS vendor?
Companies and organizations wanting to partner in business with CPS have opportunities to become sponsored vendors or respond to a solicitation.
CPS vendors are under The Department of Procurement. Their mission is to provide high-quality goods and services on time and at the best value from high-performing, innovative, and ethical suppliers by leveraging best practices of private and public organizations in order to ensure that every CPS school and department has the materials and services necessary for each CPS student to be successful.
For more information on what a CPS Vendor is, please visit Becoming A Vendor FAQ on CPS homesite. You must APPLY to be an approved CPS Vendor.
What is the process of becoming a CPS-approved Volunteer?
To apply to be a CPS-approved Vendor please see the How to Become a Vendor page on CPS homesite.
If you have applied to be a CPS approved Vendor but still don’t know your status please see this CPS Vendor List that includes vendor status, subject matter, grade level, contracts, and more.
If you have any remaining questions for your organization’s vendor status, please submit any questions to the Procurement Customer Service Request
Are CPS vendors allowed to return (or begin) in-person programming within schools this SY ‘21-22?
Yes, all CPS vendors are allowed to return to back to in-person programming. Please see the volunteer approval process guidance to ensure approved status.
Do all vendors have to submit vaccination cards?
Yes, all vendors need to submit vaccination cards (unless they have received a religious or medical accommodation). Please view CPS’s Department of Procurement email that was shared.
Miscellaneous
What is the difference between volunteer and vendor, and which one should my organization apply to?
The main key difference between CPS Volunteers and Vendors are providing goods and services at a cost to the district. Volunteers do not sell goods and/or services and Vendors do.
The majority of our DSVE community partners have approved CPS volunteer status that works directly with students and/or educators.
If you have questions regarding which best fits your needs as a partner, please email StudentVoice@cps.edu.
What if my organization wants to provide educational services to a school and/or district?
You must apply to become a CPS-approved vendor! We work with hundreds of vendors who help CPS deliver high-quality education and enrichment opportunities to Chicago students. When a vendor has a product or service they feel would benefit our students, schools, and district, they can go through the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process
What if my organization wants to collect student data (i.e grade level, name, address, etc.)?
You must apply to become a CPS-approved vendor! When a vendor has a product or service they feel would benefit our students, schools, and district, they can go through the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process. Vendors help us connect students to technology that supports learning, growth, and achievement in the classroom and in daily life. Many of these resources use student data for a variety of educational purposes including but not limited to promoting active learning, connecting students to online resources, and developing life skills that form critical foundations for future success.
Once they have completed and submitted all necessary documentation, the request is then reviewed and vetted by the organization. With regard to collecting and using student data, vendors must agree and sign contracts to adhere to the CPS SOPPA policies and Illinois law. The data shall never be used for anything other than furthering the performance or expanding on educational services.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the RFQ, please contact edtoolstech@cps.edu
What if my organization wants to provide services, goods, or programming free of cost?
You need to fill out and sign the No Cost Agreement Form and submit to each school where you are providing services to.
