For six consecutive years, a group of tutors will come together in the name of education.
What sets this group apart: the tutors are academically sound pre-teens and teenagers.
Access, a nonprofit program based in Plano, is set to begin another year of providing free math, reading, and writing tutoring to underserved elementary and middle school students.
Parents and guardians of 3rd through 8th graders who attend public, private, or charter schools in Plano, Frisco, or North Dallas and meet income qualifications may sign up their student or students for the tutoring program, which starts Oct. 18 for the fall semester.
“Since the inception of the program, area high school students from Plano and Frisco school districts have volunteered their time to help students who struggle in core subjects,” said Tonya Whitaker, coordinator of the program. “The group we had last year was excited about working together. To see students excited about comprehending their homework assignments was gratifying to all involved.”
The body of research on peer tutoring shows it has many benefits for tutors and tutorees, including higher academic achievement, increased motivation, and improved social development.
“Support outside school is beneficial to all students; however, there are students who cannot afford that support. Access was created for those who need tutoring the most.”
Tutoring sessions will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Haggard Library, 2501 Coit Road in Plano. Whitaker asks parents, students, and volunteers to refrain from contacting Haggard staff for information about the program, as the Plano Public Library System is not affiliated with the program.
“We chose the library because it is a safe, quiet environment for the students we serve,” Whitaker said.
Services are provided to students regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion or disability.
To learn more about our program, visit www.myaccesstutoring.com, review our VolunteerMatch posting, or call 469-212-5587.
