The Saturday Tutoring Program (STP) is a Win-Win-Win for
Volunteers, Students, and the Church of the Covenant
While some look eagerly toward summer vacation, The Saturday Tutoring Program's volunteers are already
planning for tutoring to resume in September. The Junior League of Cleveland, one of Covenant's University
Circle neighbors, has voted to participate in tutoring for a second three-year term. John Carroll University has set
the date for orientation for its students who come to Covenant in the university's vans. CWRU, STP's largest
source of tutors, has sent the invitation to its service fair, where STP will have a table to register new volunteers.
STP's newest partners, High Tech Academy and Tri-C's Upward
Bound, are looking forward to expanding their participation next
year. Kenneth Hale, Executive Director of Tri-C's Outreach
Programs says, "Thank you for effectively engaging our Tri-C high
school scholars in this important educational initiative rooted in
service to our broader community. This is exactly the type of
collaboration that is a win-win-win situation for so many, and in
so many ways!"
Why such interest in an activity that takes up valuable free time on
Saturday mornings? Tutoring is a hands-on volunteer
opportunity that challenges and inspires tutors to learn about our
city and themselves.
Hundreds of volunteers from the community and 22 partnering
organizations participate in The Saturday Tutoring Program at the
Church of the Covenant. They are of diverse ages and
backgrounds -- from high school students to senior citizens, of all
races, socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, political
views, and religious beliefs. Yet they all come together at Covenant
to help Greater Cleveland kids.
Some volunteers come one time, but many keep coming back. They see worth in the program and in the students.
For them, the experience can be life-changing. Although they are there to strengthen the students' academic skills,
the tutors themselves often learn first-hand about urban education issues and the struggles that many Greater
Cleveland students face. Each Saturday, tutors tackle those issues by devoting two hours of undivided attention
to their students.
The program enables community volunteers and Covenant
members to get to know each other while actively participating in a
project of common interest. It's a joy to see tutors offering
friendship, support, and mentoring for one another as they go
through college or graduate school, advance in their careers, or
enjoy retirement.
The Saturday Tutoring Program has truly become a model of how a
church can serve as a catalyst for strengthening the community by
involving the community. A lot of people -- especially young
people -- are drawn to a church because they want to DO something
to make a difference in the world. If they get involved, they may
stay involved. Imagine the untapped possibilities for the Covenant
congregation!
To learn how you or your organization can help, visit SaturdayTutoring.org or call 216-421-0482 x 281.
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