The Urban League of Greater Madison is looking for people to volunteer for the Schools of Hope Middle School program. Anyone interested in learning about becoming a tutor for an area middle school child is encouraged to stop by Urban League on Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m. or Tuesday, March 12 at 11:30 a.m. for some pizza and an informational session.
Schools of Hope is a one-on-one program that pairs tutors with students at 12 different area middle schools. Urban League works with nine schools in the MMSD, two Sun Prairie middle schools, and an Oregon middle school.
“Volunteers sign up, fill out an application and do a background check,” Urban League Volunteer Coordinator Katie Johnson told Madison365. “We work with the tutor’s schedule and where they are located and can be placed in the school. We ask that they work for an hour a week with a kid on math or literacy. They commit to working with the same student throughout the year. And so they usually form close relationships with the student. It’s been really rewarding and on the other side it helps teachers.”
Because of the Polar Vortex that has gripped the area, Urban League says it has been a struggle this year because of how much the inclement weather has impacted school and work schedules for people.
People who attend the Schools of Hope Middle Schools volunteer session will learn about what it’s like to tutor and work with a kid at school. There will be information about the program and what is required of tutors.
Both events will take place on the first floor at Urban League of Greater Madison inside of Villager Mall on South Park street.
