Girls' Tutoring Program

Michigan Nightlight: In your view, what makes your program innovative, effective or remarkable? 
Director of the Girls’ Program at Mercy Education Project Melanie Ward: Our program is unique in that we provide one-on-one curriculum based tutoring that is at the student’s academic level. For example, if a student is in 8^th grade, but still doesn’t know her multiplication facts, her tutor will work with her on multiplication rather than the algebra that she may be learning in school. We believe that until a student masters the fundamentals, school will always be difficult. We try to find the root of the

The one-on-one assistance is key because it allows the tutor to put 100 percent of the focus on that student and the student feels special.

problem and go from there, rather than continually putting “a band aid” on the problem. The one-on-one assistance is key because it allows the tutor to put 100 percent of the focus on that student and the student feels special. That weekly tutoring hour may be the only time a student gets one-on-one attention from an adult. We are also effective because we provide transportation; this means our daily attendance is high and that means more time for academics.
 
What was the best lesson learned in the past year?
Our program helps kids succeed! Recently we celebrated the graduation of four of our eighth grade students from 2008, all of whom have graduated from high school and are off to college in the fall. Some will be the first in their families to attend college. This year, our girls made, on average, a grade level or more improvement in reading and math.  I have watched students’ grades improve and have seen some girls make multiple grade level improvements.
 
What was the hardest lesson learned in the past year?
Determining what is within our control was the hardest lesson learned. We can help meet educational needs, provide transportation and meals and work with families to improve school attendance and homework completion.  But there are crises and illnesses in some families that take the focus away from education.  Coping with the death of a parent or a mental illness can be challenging for any family, and even more so for those who lack a network of relatives and friends to assist or the extra financial resources to cope with tragedy. We want to continue to build stronger referral relationships to help our girls’ with additional supports.
 
What really differentiates this program?
Mercy Education Project’s after-school tutoring program is not simply homework assistance. Our focus is helping students remediate educational deficits – gain the basic knowledge or skills that, for whatever reason, they did not learn at the appropriate time. These gaps in their knowledge keep them from learning more complex concepts – and from experiencing

By filling in those educational gaps, MEP makes it possible for students to experience the success and joy of learning, to know that they can learn, that they are not stupid as they may have thought.

success at school. Some homework assistance may be helpful, but, if students never learn the underlying concepts, they will need homework assistance forever. By filling in those educational gaps, MEP makes it possible for students to experience the success and joy of learning, to know that they can learn, that they are not stupid as they may have thought.
 
What are the keys to success for your program?
Great tutors! We have some teachers and retired teachers as well as a mix of working professionals.  Corporate partnerships with companies such as DTE Energy, Comerica, Trinity Health and Marathon help us identify energized and eager individuals who are volunteering their time to help better our community. They show girls how exciting and fun learning can be and our girls rise to the occasion!
 
What particular challenges or benefits are afforded to you in just working with one gender?
The number one benefit is that the girls (especially the older ones) are not distracted by trying to impress boys. Girls will often doubt themselves when boys are around: “Did I say the right thing? Does he think I am too smart? Does he think I am dumb? Does my hair look good?” By taking away these distractions, girls can concentrate on themselves and feel more enabled to perform to the best of their ability.