(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Public Schools)

The successful Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program is seeking more volunteer tutors as it grows to serve more students in Milwaukee Public Schools.

Tutoring in the program is a chance to make a positive impact in the lives of children: Teachers report that 85% of students tutored through the program were more engaged in their learning.

Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program volunteers spend 90 minutes the same elementary-grade classroom each week working with students one-on-one and in small groups. The program is a partnership between Interfaith Older Adult Programs’ RSVP volunteer effort and Milwaukee Public Schools.

Maggie Melvin, an Interfaith-MPS volunteer tutor, said she’s able to reinforce the lessons provided by her students’ classroom teacher, answer students’ questions and connect with each student’s background knowledge and learning style.

“For the child, it is special, targeted and focused. For me, it is satisfying, relational and energizing,” Melvin said. “That adds up to a win-win situation.”

“Strengthening positive relationships between our students and adults who can showcase the path to success is one of our most important goals,” Acting MPS Superintendent Dr. Darienne Driver said. “We’re grateful for the work of the volunteer tutors, thankful for the partnership with Interfaith/RSVP that makes the program happen and hopeful that more members of our community will join us in this important work!”

“RSVP strives to engage people who are 55 or older in volunteer service to meet critical community needs, to keep residents active in their communities and to bring about positive social change,” RSVP Director Samantha Garrett said. “This is such a great intergenerational activity in which people can really see the impact they are having, every week, on each student they see!”

The Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program began in 2011 with tutors in 16 MPS schools. In 2013-14, it placed more than 200 tutors in 48 MPS elementary schools. For 2014-15, the program seeks to expand its presence even further to positively impact more students. Help the program grow by volunteering for the coming school year! 

Volunteer tutors do not need prior tutoring or teaching is experience is required. The program provides four hours of training.  Volunteers must be 55 years of age or older and are subject to a background check before they begin work. Those interested in serving should contact Karen Aaronson of Interfaith at (414) 220-8653 to get started!