After-School Tutoring

Congregation set up a school tutorial program for neighboring inner-city elementary school students.

Community Contact Information: 
Rodef Sholom 
Youngstown, OH 
http://oh001.urj.net 

Goals:

  • Allow congregants to use their specific knowledge and areas of expertise to help others.
  • Engage the congregants in assisting the local community.
  • Provide needed service to area elementary school.


Overview:

Members of the congregation (both adults and youth) provide after school tutoring services twice a week for neighboring inner city elementary school students. The subjects taught vary depending on the needs of the participating students. Non-academic events —such as a softball game and talent shows — supplement the tutoring program as a means of building community by getting students and tutors acquainted.

Preparation:

Members of the synagogue’s social action committee contacted local elementary school administrators to develop a protocol for congregants to come to each school and tutor. School administrators identified students who were having difficulty in specific subjects.

At the same time, the congregation was recruiting members interested in tutoring – and identified their subjects of interest, age group preferences, availability, etc. This project was advertised through newsletter blurbs, announcements from the bimah and outreach phone calls.

After compiling these lists, students and teachers were matched.

Project Implementation:

Tutors met regularly with students, and received updates from students and reports from teachers on the results of their tutoring. Alongside traditional study 1:1 sessions, games and activities took place, allowing students and tutors to build relationships.

Results:

Struggling students’ grades improved, as did their self-esteem. Further, congregants felt a sense of fulfillment at helping children perform at their highest level.