“Grand Valley was asked by United Way to support this very important initiative, and the university is stepping up to the plate by providing and encouraging Grand Valley faculty and staff to volunteer to tutor 30 minutes per week. With supervisor approval, faculty and staff members who volunteer will be paid as work time for travel and tutoring time during working hours,” said Susan Sloop, Work Life Connections consultant.
Now in its eighth year, the Schools of Hope program has connected more than 6,000 individuals to provide tutoring to more than 5,000 early elementary students during school hours. There is currently a waiting list of children who are hoping to be matched with reading volunteers. Administrators at participating schools say the program offers tremendous results.
“When we survey our teachers and ask what programs have the most impact on student achievement, the reading tutor program is always at the top,” said Maryann Prischenko, principal of Sibley Elementary School.
Individuals who are interested in tutoring should speak with their supervisors first. Volunteers must be willing to spend at least 30 minutes each week tutoring a child (if time doesn’t permit, two volunteers may share tutoring responsibilities). Tutoring sessions are held during the school day when school is in session. Volunteers may chose any of the 15 participating Grand Rapids Public Schools locations. Volunteers must clear both Michigan State Police and Child Abuse and Neglect background checks and attend one two-hour training session. Interested participants should contact Sloop at x12215 or [email protected].
“Giving is part of being a totally healthy person, and in line with our health and wellness initiatives, volunteering in the community through programs like Schools of Hope is one more way to help create healthy, well-rounded individuals,” Sloop said.
Pamela Holtz, WGVU’s marketing and fundraising manager, is passionate about the Schools of Hope program. “If children don’t read, they won’t succeed,” Holtz said. “Yet more than 30 percent of Grand Rapids Public Schools’ fourth graders are not meeting state reading standards. It’s part of Grand Valley’s mission to educate the community, and that’s what drives my interest.”
Schools of Hope training will be offered at Grand Valley on the following dates:
- Thursday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in KC 104, Allendale
- Friday, Oct. 31st, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in DEV499C, Pew Campus
