Accepting Applications for the 2026-2027 School Year
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a vital part of Xavier Jesuit Academy's mission to help young men become great men.
VOLUNTEER ROLES:
Academic Support
Provice crucial assistance through reading intervention, math tutoring, and STEM programming, helping students build strong academic foundations.
Enrichment Activities
Share your passions by volunteering in diverse areas like coaching, cooking club, and gardening, fostering well-rounded development.
Community Building
Contribute to a positive school environment by offering lunchtime/recess support and participating in fun and engaging activities.
Empowering Students
Create lasting impacts and build strong relationships with students and the school community.
CONTACT:
Sylvia Efken
Volunteer Coordinator
Meet Sylvia Efken, XJA Volunteer Coordinator
Xavier Jesuit Academy is proud to welcome Sylvia Efken as our new Volunteer Coordinator.
Sylvia first discovered our school through Bellarmine Chapel, where Principal Kyle Chandler shared the school's mission with the congregation. From that moment, she knew she wanted to get involved. With a long career working in schools and a deep love for students, Sylvia began tutoring students grades 3 - 6, in reading and math.
The impact was immediate. One student told Sylvia early on that he simply could not read. Together, they worked through it. By the end of the school year, Sylvia gave him a book, and he couldn't put it down.
"Just incredibly gratifying," she said.
Now in her role as Volunteer Coordinator, Sylvia brings that same warmth and dedication to building XJA's volunteer community. She is actively recruiting volunteers for reading and math tutoring, library and cafeteria support, after-school programming, sports, chess club, and Makerspace activities.
Sylvia and her husband are rooted in the Jesuit tradition, having met at a Jesuit parish in St. Louis before making Cincinnati home. For her, "Men and Women for Others" is a way of life.
"I love seeing that implemented at XJA," she said, "and the students growing in that."
If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Sylvia at events@xavierja.org.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Barter
Before the first student ever walked through XJA's doors, Jim Barter was already at work.
As XJA's first Volunteer Coordinator, Jim built our volunteer program from the ground up, developing the onboarding structure, scheduling systems, and recruitment processes that make it possible for our growing community of volunteers to show up, day in and day out, for our young men. His work behind the scenes has created something lasting: a program that runs with intention, care, and the kind of quiet excellence that reflects the Jesuit spirit at its best.
This year, XJA proudly named Jim the recipient of the 2026 St. Ignatius of Loyola Volunteer Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to our mission.
Jim's contribution goes beyond logistics. By building the infrastructure that welcomes and supports our volunteers, he has multiplied the impact of every person who walks through our doors. Every tutor who works one-on-one with a student, every mentor who shares a meal at the table, every helping hand during Morning Meeting, all of it flows through the foundation Jim helped lay.
We are deeply grateful, Jim. Xavier Jesuit Academy would not be what it is without you.
Volunteer Spotlight
Phil Schneider brings culinary education to Xavier Jesuit Academy students through the innovative Cooking Club program. Despite kitchen limitations, this volunteer creates meaningful learning experiences that align with XJA's mission of forming "men for others" while building character and practical skills. READ THE ARTICLE.
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