The concept for the Lancaster County Tutoring Program began about five years ago when community leaders identified a need and began discussing how they could help local youth in the school system. Now, in its third year of operation, it is fully funded by generous donations from the community.
“The support has been amazing,” says Sandy Armstrong who coordinates the efforts. Donations and volunteers come from many of the neighboring churches, foundations, businesses, and civic organizations in town. There are currently 68 volunteers working weekly with 165 students.
Data has shown that the students in the program are making substantial measurable growth in the subjects in which they are tutored. Teachers and parents are also happy to report improved self-confidence and social skills as additional benefits to these students.
Our own Sherri Clowser, Trust Officer with Chesapeake Wealth Management and Pat Lewis, Director of Human Resources at Chesapeake Bank serve in the program. Sherri beamingly states “These children are wonderful! The two girls that I had last year didn’t require additional tutoring this year and my two new students have changed so much since we started working together. They are delighted to see me each week as I also look forward to seeing them. I can see they try their hardest to learn the materials and to receive praises from me and their teachers as well. Amazing!”
Next year, in the fall of 2017, the program will be funded by the school system. Both the school administration and the community have committed to its success.
The Lancaster County Volunteer Tutoring Program is a division-wide platform, serving students in grades K-12 in the Lancaster County Public School system. Students in need of extra academic support during the school day are referred to the Volunteer Tutoring Office by their teachers. Tutors are volunteers who are thoroughly screened and trained before they are paired with students.
For more information on how you can get involved, please contact Sandy Armstrong with Lancaster County Public Schools at 804-462-5100.