A new after-school program at Little Rock's West Central Community Center that aims to give underserved students an academic boost will kick off on Oct. 1.
"Soaring Beyond Expectations" will provide free tutoring to students in grades six through eight to help them meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math.
It's more than a "latchkey" program, Ward 6 City Director Doris Wright said. She said it has a unique project-based learning approach and will offer enrichment activities to complement the academic programming.
"There's a lot more to it," she said.
Wright said she applied for the grant after learning that Henderson Middle School on John Barrow Road earned a "D" grade on the Arkansas School Performance Reports, which were released in April. She met with the principal to explore solutions.
"I asked him, what did he need?" Wright said.
They decided on a program that would focus on literacy, in light of some of Henderson's middle schoolers reading at third- and fourth-grade levels.
"Some of these kids are falling through the cracks," Wright said.
"Soaring Beyond Expectations" is funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the Arkansas Department of Education. The grant program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment during non-school hours, particularly for children who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools, according to the department's website.
The grant will provide $650,000 in funding over five years, Wright said. Monitors from the Arkansas Department of Education will be on site to make sure the program aligns with state standards. The funding will also pay to bus participating students from their schools to the community center.
Wright said another goal of the program is to connect the students' parents and family members with resources the community center offers adults.
That includes financial literacy classes and career training programs in areas such as customer service and hospitality.
She said the program team is still recruiting teachers and tutors, aiming for six to eight teachers and 11 tutors.
Teachers will focus on literacy and be paid $25 an hour, while tutors, who can be college students, will be paid $8.50 an hour to help children with their homework.
Though Henderson is the target school, any student in Little Rock can sign up. Space is limited to 100 spots on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a waiting list if needed, Wright said.
Jeff Calaham, site coordinator at the West Central Community Center, said he has seen the demand for tutoring firsthand.
"Yesterday a lady came in and asked if they had tutors for her child who was falling behind in reading," he said Wednesday. "I think this program will really help everybody."
Those interested can sign up at lrpr.org or in person at the West Central Community Center. More information is available from Calaham at (501) 379-1890 or [email protected].
Metro on 09/24/2018