First, check-in personally with students to nourish a “big sister / big brother” relationship, so students have a role model for success.
Second, provide individualized guidance to build critical study and organizational skills and provide learning supports to boost failing grades in key academic subjects.
Third, support students by drawing on their individual learning styles.
Admission to the Ivy League is not the point. Empowerment means helping disadvantaged, struggling students believe that they have what it takes to succeed—in whatever way makes sense to them.
"My daughter Leah’s mentor has been a positive role model—she even said she wants to attend the same university. Her mentor is always positive; yet, strict when she needs to be. She makes learning fun and is so attentive and kind. I’m beyond impressed with her ability to connect with her students.”
“Juan is getting more confidence in himself. I have noticed that he’s able to complete his homework without asking me for help. He has always had trouble reading, and having a mentor has encouraged him to read more on his own. Without the SEA Program, I wouldn’t know where else to look.”
“I’ve had parents in tears because their child was slipping through the cracks and they could not afford tutoring. Thanks to The Emily Shane Foundation, I can offer them personalized tutoring and mentoring from committed, high-performing college students. The SEA Program has been a wonderful gift to our students and parents alike.”
“One of the great benefits of the SEA Program is the flexibility they offer. They know that our students have diverse schedules and learning styles, so the flexibility of online tutoring and different mentors has been instrumental in making a positive impact on the lives of our students. We value our partnership with the SEA Program as they continue to support the academic success and personal growth of our student community.”
“The tutors that come to my Boys and Girls Club have all cultivated strong relationships with their students—making them feel comfortable and excited to learn. Their parents and my entire staff have noticed these students growing in confidence. I look forward to many more years of partnership with the SEA Program!”
To show gratitude for their mentor/tutors, we ask our SEA Program students to “Pass it Forward” with an act of kindness for every session.