CLASE Tutoring and Mentoring Program

The CLASE Tutoring and Mentoring program is a two-day-a-week after school enrichment program targeting third- to fifth-grade English learners at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School in Athens, Georgia. The program mobilizes volunteer tutors and mentors from The University of Georgia to work with kids to build their motivation and confidence as well as their academic achievement. Our undergraduate and graduate volunteers act as role models while at the same time gaining valuable, real-world experience working with kids.

This program is made possible through the partnership between Dr. Pedro Portes, executive director of the Center for Latino Achievement and Success in Education, and Dr. Scarlett Dunne, principal of Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School.

Mentoring and tutoring builds bridges between University students and the Athens community. Tutors give their time and knowledge to Latino and English language-learning children, and in return they receive a personal knowledge and understanding about the Athens Latino community. In their mentoring role, tutors help serve as a role model for the children, offering them a window into the possibilities engendered by education and making a significant impact on their lives.

Generally, tutors help students understand and complete homework, help with reading skills, especially for elementary children, and also have the opportunity to do learning games with the students. In some cases, tutors work with students individually, in other cases, in small groups.

Why take part?

Tutoring builds bridges between University students and the Athens community. As a tutor, you will be giving your time and knowledge to Latino children. In return, you will be receiving a personal knowledge and understanding about the Athens Latino community. You also will be serving as a mentor and role model for the children. Simply by volunteering to tutor once or twice a week, you are making a significant impact on the lives of these children.

Can I get credit?

Tutoring at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School with CLASE will fulfill service requirements for courses as long as you have professor approval. Supervisors work to keep track of hours volunteered. Additionally, it is possible to receive 1-3 hours of service-learning credit per semester for regular tutoring at the graduate or undergraduate level via LLED 4620 / 6620.

When does tutoring occur?

Tutoring takes place 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Due to the individual nature of our tutoring program, it is necessary for tutors to be at the site for the duration of the tutoring day. Additionally, we encourage tutors to arrive around 2:45 p.m. if possible to spend additional quality time with their tutee.

Tutoring for the fall semester will take place September 20th to November 30th with the exception of UGA and Clarke County School District holidays.

What do I do as a tutor?

This depends on the site and the particular needs of the children. Generally, tutors help students understand and complete homework, help with reading skills, especially for elementary children, and also have the opportunity to do learning games with the students. In some cases, tutors work with students individually, in other cases, in small groups.

Where does tutoring occur?

Tutoring takes place at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School. Do not worry if you wish to tutor but do not have a ride; we assist tutors with finding ways to carpool.

Do I need to be able to speak Spanish to tutor?

No, many of our tutors speak English only, and the children's homework is all in English. (Not all the students are Spanish-dominant, either!) However, for those who do know some Spanish, tutoring Latino students is a great way to use your Spanish-speaking skills and to model the importance of bilingualism.

How do I get started?

We recruit for tutoring at the beginning of each fall and spring semester and have an online registration. If it is near the beginning of a semester and you are interested in tutoring, please email us to find out about available tutoring opportunities.