With emphasis on maintaining positive intergenerational relationships and boosting the self-esteem of struggling students, the OASIS Tutoring Program recruits and trains older adults to tutor kids in the Pittsburgh Public and Woodland Hills school districts.
Tutor Coordinator John Spehar and tutor Charlene Briggs say the program is beneficial for students’ academic and emotional health.
“If their self-esteem is higher, they’re more interested to learn and work on activities,” says Spehar.
Briggs adds that as a tutor, she finds the program very rewarding and fulfilling, especially when she can watch her students grow, and learn to love school. OASIS is always looking for volunteers. Spehar says previous experience teaching or tutoring is not required, and the curriculum and training for new volunteers is very accessible. “We want everyone to know that OASIS is here and ready to help.”
