Single hour can help young people learn

By giving just an hour a week, Johnson County residents can make a difference in youngsters’ lives.

That’s the commitment asked of voluntary tutors in local schools.

Don’t have teaching experience, a degree in education or any college courses at all? No problem. The programs offer training.

The Franklin Education Connection matches adult volunteer Study Buddies with students in Grades 2 to 6 to help students achieve academic standards. The program operates from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Webb Elementary School or 3 to 4 p.m. at Custer Baker Intermediate School on Wednesdays; and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays at all other elementary schools.

The Direct Connection program meets during the school day at Needham and Webb elementary schools for volunteers whose schedules make it difficult to meet after school.

A training session will be from 3 to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at Northwood Elementary School.

Applicants must complete an application and pass a criminal background check before being accepted into the program. The application is available online at franklineducationconnection.org or by calling the program director at 524-8544.

In Greenwood, The Oasis tutoring program also is recruiting new tutors.

The program offers adults over 50 the chance to help students academically. No educational background is required; training is provided for all new tutors. Training will be in September for this school year. For information, call 396-3751.

The commitment is relatively small, but the payoff is huge. One Franklin tutor occasionally encounters a girl she worked with several years ago. The girl not only remembers her tutor but emphasizes to the adult how much their time meant.

If you live in another school district and want to help there, give a nearby school a call. Any volunteer work you can do will be appreciated.

One hour. That’s all it takes to make a difference in the academic life of a struggling student.

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Local tutoring programs are seeking volunteers.

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A commitment of an hour a week could make a major difference in the academic life of a struggling local student.

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