In response to the needs of students across the Central New York area, Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement and the College of Arts and Sciences are seeking volunteers for a citywide remote tutoring program. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni interested in helping local students via telephone or online tutoring sessions can complete this brief volunteer form to participate.
“Volunteers will participate in at least one 45-minute session a week for the next few months and continuing through the fall,” says Brice Nordquist, dean’s professor of community engagement in the College of Arts and Sciences. Volunteers will work remotely with students at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, La Casita, Mercy Works at the Clarence Jordan Vision Center, North Side Learning Center and the YWCA. “These remote tutoring sessions will offer subject area and educational technology support to K-12 and early college students across the city.”
The public health crisis has made completing essential schoolwork a challenge for many members of the Syracuse community, says Nordquist. “The limited access to technology and unreliable internet connectivity disproportionately affects marginalized communities,” says Nordquist. “Coupled with a scarcity of quiet, designated spaces to work, these students are at risk of falling behind without additional support.”
“The Office of Community Engagement is excited to support this innovative project that will connect K-12 students with community members across the city and region,” says Cydney Johnson ’77, G’96, vice president for community engagement and government relations.“COVID-19 has had an impact on some many parts of our lives, especially the education of our children. It is wonderful that our community members and neighbors will have the opportunity to help.”
After completing the form, volunteers will be matched with a community organization. Tutoring sessions will be scheduled in collaboration with participating organizations and the students they serve. Volunteers will be required to attend online orientation sessions to discuss remote tutoring protocols, risk management requirements and the broader context of working with students and organizations in the community. “Connecting with a K-12 student is an opportunity to support our community in a tangible way,” says Nordquist. “A crisis at this scale requires all hands on deck; we need your help.”
