Program Strengths

In all activities, the project staff creates a well-established, safe, caring environment which is essential for bringing together mentors, school staff, family, and community members in relationships of trust and shared responsibility for each and every student.

Tutors develop long-term mentoring relationships. In both the academic and personal lives of their students, tutors serve as advocates, guides, and models.

✔ Diverse, experienced tutors
✔ careful selection and matching between students’ need and tutors
✔ intensive, no-cost one-on-one tutoring in reading and math
✔ consistent student assessment to identify comprehensive learning plans
✔ Quality, research-based instructional materials
✔ Monthly tutor orientation and training
✔ Follow-up training to build volunteers' effectiveness as tutors

To ensure safety, we:

✔ Conducts national background checks on all potential volunteers
✔ Positions professional staff on-site during program hours

Monthly off-site field trips provide students with experience-based learning opportunities and exposure to new places. Students broaden their experiences through enrichment activities, including programs in:

✔ culinary arts
✔ sports and fitness
✔ gardening
✔ community volunteering

Ice Skating Field Trip, Feb 2008