Improve Grades, Get Mentorship, Build Confidence
Through our virtual model that connects 6th-12th graders with college students for one-on-one tutoring sessions, we have discovered that "near-peer" mentoring - defined as mentor relationships that "when mentors are old enough to serve as role models, but young enough to be relatable" - not only help youth improve their grades, but also provide meaningful developmental relationships that lead to improved mental health and self-confidence.
Tutoring sessions are one hour. They are provided after school from 5-8pm to ensure we can reach students who ride the bus, participate in sports, or engage in after school activities. All tutoring is provided via Zoom.
Tutoring sessions are one hour. They are provided after school from 5-8pm to ensure we can reach students who ride the bus, participate in sports, or engage in after school activities. All tutoring is provided via Zoom.
RESULTS
Data from our 2022 program showed that
All families:
● 79.3% reported student's grades improved in subjects they were tutored in
● 79.3% reported student's improved confidence in academic potential and school success
● 75% reported student's improved mental health and emotional well-being
● 89.7% reported that they would like to participate again
Spanish-speaking families:
● 100% reported student's grades improved in subjects they were tutored in
● 100% reported student's improved confidence in academic potential and school success
● 100% reported student's improved mental health and emotional well-being
● 100% reported that they would like to participate again
All families:
● 79.3% reported student's grades improved in subjects they were tutored in
● 79.3% reported student's improved confidence in academic potential and school success
● 75% reported student's improved mental health and emotional well-being
● 89.7% reported that they would like to participate again
Spanish-speaking families:
● 100% reported student's grades improved in subjects they were tutored in
● 100% reported student's improved confidence in academic potential and school success
● 100% reported student's improved mental health and emotional well-being
● 100% reported that they would like to participate again
WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
Parents
Just wanted to give a huge compliment to [my student's] tutor. He is awesome and she really enjoyed her tutoring session. I heard her laugh and she was so proud of herself which shows more confidence. I'm thankful for this program. - Parent of a 5th grade student
My son used to bite his nails when he started his homework but now he is happy because he knows that his tutor is there to help. - Parent of a 6th grade student, translated from Spanish
My son used to bite his nails when he started his homework but now he is happy because he knows that his tutor is there to help. - Parent of a 6th grade student, translated from Spanish
Students
Just wanted to give a huge compliment to [my student's] tutor. He is awesome and she really enjoyed her tutoring session. I heard her laugh and she was so proud of herself which shows more confidence. I'm thankful for this program. - Parent of a 5th grade student
My son used to bite his nails when he started his homework but now he is happy because he knows that his tutor is there to help. - Parent of a 6th grade student, translated from Spanish
I practiced how to get better at two step equations.
[My tutor] helped me understand mode, median, and range better.
[My tutor] helped me with inequality's.
I learned ratios. - 6th grade student, sharing his highlights from four separate tutoring sessions
It was fun. - 8th grade student, reflecting on his tutoring session
My tutor explained everything well we went over everything step by step. - 7th grade student, reflecting on his tutoring session
One of my highlights from this tutor was actually understanding what to do. - 7th grade student, sharing highlights from her tutoring session.
My son used to bite his nails when he started his homework but now he is happy because he knows that his tutor is there to help. - Parent of a 6th grade student, translated from Spanish
I practiced how to get better at two step equations.
[My tutor] helped me understand mode, median, and range better.
[My tutor] helped me with inequality's.
I learned ratios. - 6th grade student, sharing his highlights from four separate tutoring sessions
It was fun. - 8th grade student, reflecting on his tutoring session
My tutor explained everything well we went over everything step by step. - 7th grade student, reflecting on his tutoring session
One of my highlights from this tutor was actually understanding what to do. - 7th grade student, sharing highlights from her tutoring session.
Tutors
I always love working with [my student pair]. She's very sweet and extremely capable. -Tutor, who is a Junior at UNC majoring in History
We talked about how rough and tiring school can be and relaxation is very important esp for students. - Tutor, who is a student at UNC
It was nice to see him start to grasp the concept especially when we had to combine a negative number of objects - Tutor, who is a math major at UNC
We talked about how rough and tiring school can be and relaxation is very important esp for students. - Tutor, who is a student at UNC
It was nice to see him start to grasp the concept especially when we had to combine a negative number of objects - Tutor, who is a math major at UNC
WORD CLOUD OF STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
After each tutoring session, tutors and students complete a survey about the experience. Below is a word cloud of student responses to the question "What were some of the highlights from this experience?" (Data from March 23, 2022)
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