After-school tutoring program works, looking to expand
The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania's Butler office is looking for sponsors to get a few more students to crack the books.
The United Way has been coordinating two after-school tutoring programs in the Karns City and Butler school districts since 2013, said Mary Ann Eisenreich regional director of the group's Butler office.
She said students who need help in reading, writing or math stay after school for an hour up to four days a week to get extra help in their problem subject or subjects.
“It costs about $10,000 per school to put on the sessions,” said Eisenreich. “That goes to pay teachers to stay the extra hour and do the preparation for the program.”
Chicora Elementary School Principal Shane Spack said about 50 students in third through sixth grade have taken part in the tutoring program since its beginning. “You can see the gains,” he said. “Ninety percent of the participants in the tutoring have maintained or increased their grades.”
Eisenreich said the XTO Energy Inc. has been funding the program since 2014.
Eisenreich said, “If we had more sponsors and funds we could go to more schools. The teachers and the principals really back the program.”
“The United Way is looking for more financial partners,” she said, adding potential funders could call her at 724-285-4883.
A full story appears in the Butler Eagle.
