Partners in Learning is an after-school one-to-one tutor/mentoring program. Youth are individually matched with a dedicated adult volunteer tutor/mentor for weekly 90-minute sessions throughout the school year. Partners in Learning is open to youth in 1st through 12th grade. All sessions take place at Family Matters.
In many cases, pairs develop deep relationships, and may remain together year after year. Individualized lesson plans developed for each youth factor in age, academic level, and personal interests and goals. In addition to the one-to-one work, pairs meeting on the same day of the week often come together for science experiments, art projects, sharing circles, and “first-time-experience” field trips.
The Partners in Learning staff prepare individualized lesson plans every week for each pair. A sample curriculum may include: an opening conversation topic; activities and lessons to focus on a specific skill; homework time; and a game or special project. Youth practice goal-setting using the SMART goal format. If requested by parents, members of the Partners in Learning staff team will attend parent-teacher conferences and collaborate with teachers to offer additional academic support in certain critical areas. We recognize that parents are a crucial ingredient in their children’s learning and we offer support and guidance for them, as desired.
All Partners in Learning adult volunteers are trained by our staff in social-emotional development and culturally competent communication and they undergo background checks. Tutor/mentors of all experience levels are welcome, with support offered to them in every aspect of the program. We also work with subject-specific “expert” volunteers who can join a pair for specialized tutoring in topics including reading, math, science, and English Language Learning (ELL).
