The partnership between Birmingham City Schools (BCS) and United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) to provide intensive tutoring for BCS students dealing with COVID-related learning loss is continuing into the new year, with students from local colleges and universities committing to serve as tutors for small groups of BCS students in the areas of math and English language arts.
In addition to providing critical academic support to students, the program also offers an opportunity for college students (many of whom are aspiring teachers) to gain valuable experience in the classroom and provides an avenue for them to improve the lives of students within their community.
College students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Jefferson State Community College, Samford University, Miles College, Lawson State Community College and Birmingham-Southern College are currently serving as tutors throughout the school district.
Cindy Shackelford, PhD, EdD, the Chair/Program Coordinator for Jefferson State Community College’s (JSCC) Child Development Program, believes the partnership benefits the students receiving tutoring services, as well as the college students serving as tutors.
“The partnership with United Way to support BCS students in reading and math has resulted in positive outcomes of service for JSCC Child Development and Education majors,” Dr. Shackelford said. “The JSCC Child Development Program will continue to serve as the hub for making sure our students are aware of this amazing opportunity to be a part of the solution to improving COVID-related learning loss. “
More than 60 tutors are currently partnering with school district leaders to provide specific support to advance the academic goals of students in all grades. Area college students, who are interested in serving as tutors, can learn more about the program and submit an application at the program website bcstutoring.org.
For more information on the Birmingham City Schools Tutoring Partnership program, please contact TutoringPartnership@uwca.org.