Brown University’s K-12 Tutoring Initiative mobilizes Brown students to provide free tutoring to students in participating Rhode Island schools.
Rhode Island students that are interested in connecting remotely with Brown student tutors can also connect through the Tutor Matching Service, a nationally recognized tutoring platform that matches university and college students with students who need tutoring support for remote tutoring.
The COVID-19 pandemic has widened existing educational inequities, impacting students in significant ways. With students learning remotely or in hybrid formats, there is a heightened need for one-on-one instruction around specific topics or curriculum areas, but teachers’ resources are stretched thin. One-on-one tutoring is a powerful educational intervention that can support students’ academic, social and emotional needs. However, this resource is often available only to families who can afford to pay for it. We hope to provide support to students and act as another resource to school districts through this tutoring initiative.
Anneberg is working with several Brown University student groups to partner directly with schools in Providence, Pawtucket and Central Falls in order to provide high-impact tutoring. High-impact tutoring is defined as one-on-one tutoring, or tutoring in small groups, 3 times a week. Our hope is to create an efficient tutoring program where Brown Students can provide tutoring and mentorship on K-12 campuses and become a part of the fabric of the schools where they are providing academic coaching.
This initiative was created through a University collaboration with the Annenberg Institute and the Swearer Center. The Annenberg Institute’s core mission is to equalize and improve educational opportunities, while the Swearer Center’s primary goal is to make experiential learning central to a Brown student’s education. Fulfilling the goals of both entities, our program provides an impactful resource to students in the Providence community, and also gives Brown students an opportunity for meaningful public service.
To learn more about our program, please email annenberg@brown.edu.
How do I apply to join the Brown Tutoring Corps?
Complete this BTC application form. The priority deadline is September 6, 2024, however, applications will be reviewed until positions are filled.
NOTE: Some BTC sites are able to employ students who are eligible for Off-Campus Federal Work-Study (OCFWS). If you receive financial aid and OCFWS is part of your financial aid package, you must also complete the OCFWS application. You can access more information about OCFWS here.
NOTE: You cannot receive work-study payment for your participation in BTC unless you have completed the OCFWS application AND received confirmation (including an official start date) from the Office of Financial Aid that you have been approved to use BTC as your OCFWS job.
What does preparation, training, and support look like for BTC members?
1. PARTICIPATE IN AN ENGAGEMENT PREPARATION DAY (EPD):
Students engaging through the Brown Tutoring Corps are required to attend one engagement preparation day at the Swearer Center (located at the corner of Stimson/Hope) to complete certain compliance requirements for working with minors.
Brown University students who do not participate in one of the Engagement Preparation Days will not be able to engage through the Brown Tutoring Corps.
Required Engagement Preparation Day:
Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 1 pm - 3:30 pm
Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 1 pm - 3:30 pm OR
Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 1 pm - 3:30 pm
Note:
- No appointment needed; drop in when you can during the specified times
- Process will take ~20 minutes
- Bring your government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, state ID)
- Bring a laptop or smartphone if you have one.
2. COMPLETE ORIENTATION TO PROVIDENCE AND MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING:
More information can be found through this link. Both the orientation and training will be completed through TopHat. You will need to create a student account.
3. COMPLETE BTC TUTOR TRAINING:
More information can be found through the SAGA EDUCATION website.
4. REVIEW THE BTC TUTOR HANDBOOK.
5. MEET WITH SWEARER CENTER AND ANNENBERG INSTITUTE STAFF FOR ONGOING GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT WITH YOUR PLACEMENT.
This checklist will help you to ensure that you have taken all of the necessary steps, during the application process, as you are being matched to a site and beyond. When you have checked all of the boxes, please email the completed checklist to Dilania_Inoa@brown.edu.