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The Achieve Volunteer Tutor Program

Achieve’s hallmark tutoring program improves the academic performance and increases the confidence of children who are struggling with their schoolwork by pairing them with trained volunteer tutors.

The initiative was started in 1997, based on the notion that children who are not reaching their full academic potential would benefit from the help of a free tutor. Moreover, students who tutor for Achieve reinforce their own learning and develop leadership skills.

In a typical year, about 350 tutors — adults and students —  assist as many students in grades K-12. Beginning in early April 2020,  Achieve was able to successfully pivot our flagship volunteer tutor program to a virtual platform in response to school closures.

After conducting tutoring online through June 2021, Achieve is thrilled to be back to in-person one-on-one tutoring!

Becoming a Tutor

No formal teaching experience is necessary to be a tutor. School district staff lead required training workshops for tutors and supervise tutoring sites in the public schools. To participate, all volunteers must:

  • Complete an application
  • Give a brief interview
  • Participate in the tutor training program
  • Make a commitment of at least one hour per week for eight or more consecutive weeks

Questions? Please email program coordinator Shannon Kirk at skirk@somsd.k12.nj.us.

Requesting a Tutor

Elementary school students are typically referred to the program by their teachers. To request a tutor at any grade level, you may contact program coordinator Shannon Kirk at skirk@somsd.k12.nj.us.

Click here to watch an interview on SOMAtv about the tutoring program.


Testimonials

My son enjoyed working with the volunteer on Saturdays. I think that experience helped him a great deal. The tutor helped him by setting a good example and being interested in his development.

Parent

The kids’ confidence and skill improved. The teacher was very easy to work and communicate with. I got a great feeling from helping, and it took only minimal effort and a little patience!

Tutor

He went from a D+ in eighth-grade math to a B+ in eighth-grade math and a certificate of achievement in math at the honors ceremony.

Parent

The student completed his homework with much more frequency and success when he attended his tutoring sessions.

Teacher

The best part of my experience with the Achieve tutor program was knowing that my student was getting the extra help that she needed in a safe and comfortable environment.

Teacher

It took me out if the equation and let my son self-advocate and be mentored by a peer.

Parent

As a tutor, I enjoyed getting to know more students in my district. Also, I felt good about being able to go back to my middle school and give back by tutoring students. As a student, I received a great tutor. My tutor was very helpful and patient.

Tutor who was once a tutee

My tutor was really funny and I had a huge improvement in geometry.

Tutee

I really enjoyed working with the children and I looked forward to going there every week! I hope to do this again next year!

Tutor