How to Start a Free Tutoring Program
Have you Googled “free tutoring program near me?”
Were the results disappointing?
It’s not surprising.
Before the pandemic, many students needed homework help or supplemental instruction to understand classroom instruction in a particular subject. The need is even greater now.
I’m fortunate to live in a community with three free tutoring programs. I’ve volunteered at one for nearly two decades. Each of these programs draws students from nearby towns and states that lack free tutoring services in their area.
Many people can’t afford Sylvan or Kumon, but their children need help with schoolwork.
If you’re in this situation or want to help those who are, here’s a guide on how to start a program in your area.
Options to Consider
Each component is important, but there isn’t a precise order that needs to be followed.
Before I dive into the guide, let me address those who don’t live in major metropolitan areas or the
suburbs. Remote tutoring may not be ideal, but it is an acceptable alternative. Some assistance is better than none at all.
As suggested below, check with your local high school or college for someone to help your child(ren). Sessions can be prearranged via the most accessible web conferencing platform for each participant.
Where to Begin
There are several steps to launch a new, free tutoring program.
It would be best if you started small. Once you’re established and comfortable, you can expand.
First, decide what type of program you want, e.g., a classroom setting, one-to-one support, or a hybrid.
- Survey parents to learn what the greatest needs are.
- Decide on the day, time, and duration of the program. What subjects will you cover?
- Decide on the age/grade range the program will serve.
- Set a calendar of operating days.
- Note school holidays.
The programs in my area operate on Saturdays. The sessions range from an hour and a half to two hours.
Finding Your Base of Operation
Find a suitable location. Houses of worship, community centers, and libraries often have spaces they are willing to donate to community groups. These locations can also be great resources for volunteers.
Be sure the facility you choose has sufficient tables and chairs. Depending on the layout of the space, free-standing, collapsible dividers provide separation as well as noise absorption.
Finding Volunteer Tutors
Of course, you’ll need to recruit volunteers to work with the students. You also need people to help manage the program.
The best places to start are your local high and colleges. Almost all of these institutions have mandatory community service requirements.
Local residents are often willing to support such an endeavor and may have hidden talents to share. Publicize in community group newsletters.
It’s a good practice to verify that your volunteers are experts in the subject they want to tutor. This is
extremely important with student volunteers. Sometimes people overestimate their abilities.
A volunteer might be excellent at math but needs help understanding the current pedagogy. Make sure they know that some problems must be read several times to achieve understanding.
- Not all volunteers need to work with students. Some can be in charge of registration and intake, etc.
- Parents can serve as volunteers but shouldn’t work with their children.
- Volunteers should arrive at least fifteen minutes before students.
Administrative Needs
Be sure to establish guidelines of what is expected of volunteers and students/parents. Registration and attendance forms are vital for your records. They will be needed when reporting hours for student volunteers.
Hold an “orientation” session. Let students, parents and volunteers know how your program works and what the expectations are.
You should setup a check-in area and have someone assigned to oversee student-tutor pairing.
If you need help with the forms, email info@teshley.com with “Tutoring” as the subject, or request a free 15-minute consultation.
Other Considerations for Operation
For the safety and integrity of the program and all participants, require that tutoring groups involve at least four people, with a minimum of two adults present. Do not allow one-on-one tutoring between a single tutor and a student in a private room.
Students should be encouraged to bring their work to each session, but don’t be surprised when some show up without any. Having a well-stocked cart or shelves of math worksheets and reading material is a best practice.
As conditions permit, keep the same student and tutor paired together- continuity is beneficial. Inform parents that it will not always be possible for their child to work with a particular tutor.
You will want to solicit donations of supplies, e.g., pens, pencils, paper, workbooks, etc. Reach out to businesses and residents.
Having an onsite copier is a huge plus. It cuts down on consuming the consumables, i.e., workbook pages.
Operating a free tutoring program is a lot of work and requires commitment. The benefits and rewards are immeasurable for the students and the community.
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