History and Overview

Volunteers In Public Schools (VIPS) was established as an independent nonprofit in 1981 following a city-wide busing mandate handed down from the federal court.  Due to the mandate, that was designed to forge integration, many families opted out of public schools, leaving the district faced with decreased student population and public support. VIPS’ founders believed that the entire community is responsible for ensuring every child receives a quality education and designed a pathway that allows citizens to participate in public education by sharing their time and resources.  Each school year, VIPS recruits, trains, screens and places over 500 dedicated volunteers and community partners into East Baton Rouge Parish public schools to support under-performing students and provide resources for declining schools.