The Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program is in need of more volunteer tutors for the upcoming school year as the program works to reach more students enrolled in Milwaukee Public Schools.
The tutoring program is made possible by a partnership between Interfaith Older Adult Programs’ RSVP volunteer effort and the district.
“RSVP strives to engage people who are 55 or older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs, to keep residents active in their communities and to bring about positive social change,” said Samantha Garrett, RSVP director. “This is such a great international activity in which people can really see the impact they are having, every week, on each student they see.”
Volunteer tutors typically commit 90 minutes each week to one elementary-grade classroom, during which they help students both one on one and in small groups.
The program does not require that tutors have previous experience in tutoring or teaching.
Volunteers must be at least age 55 and must complete four hours of tutor training.
They must also go through a background check before tutoring.
“Strengthening positive relationships between our students and adults who can showcase the path to success is one of our most important goals,” said Acting MPS Superintendent Darienne Driver, Ph.D. “We’re grateful for the work of the volunteer tutors, thankful for the partnership with Interfaith/RSVP that makes the program happen and hopeful that more members of our community will join us in this important work.”
The Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program started in 2011 with volunteers in 16 schools. Last year, the program equipped 48 elementary schools across the district with more than 200 volunteers.
For more information on volunteering, contact Karen Aaronson of Interfaith at 414-220-8653.
