“Learn United” Tutoring Program
United Way of Greater Nashua’s volunteer-driven “Learn United” tutoring program is growing!
Volunteer tutors are needed to work with children in grades K – 12 in math, literacy, or science. This program offers free tutoring services to children in the community who need tutoring in a particular subject, or general assistance with schoolwork. Volunteers for this program work with students who need one-on-one help on a particular topic for a short period of time – or for the entire school year. With education being one of United Way’s main areas of focus, Learn United Tutoring serves to fulfill the mission of supporting and promoting education.
This program was originally developed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic to address the shortcomings of remote learning. The response, however, was overwhelming. It was clear there was a demand, and a need, for free-of-charge tutoring services in the community that was exacerbated but not caused by the pandemic. Therefore, UWGN has continued to host the Learn United program in the post-remote learning era.
United Way’s intern, Alexa Chambers, spoke with a parent who uses the tutoring program to help his sons, grades 2 and 5, with any homework they might be struggling with since his and his wife’s work schedules prohibit them from doing so. They receive tutoring in all subjects, with the focus of each session depending on what their out-of-class workload looks like on a weekly basis. They first began working with the program about two years ago around the time they moved here from New York. Both he and his wife speak and understand a limited amount of English, so another goal of signing their children up for the program is that they would become more fluent. After a couple of years of meeting just once a week, they have noticed clear improvements in their sons’ grades and English language skills.
“They’re getting better. When we moved from New York [they] didn’t even speak English, but the program helped my son[s] improve” he said.
They learned about this program through a teacher who recommended it to them, and it has been a great fit for them. Their sons love to meet with their tutor, and they’ve made great strides with their tutor’s assistance. It was essential that the program was available free of charge, because they would not have been able to provide their son with the support he needed otherwise.
Volunteer tutors may select the age range of students they’d like to work with, the subjects they feel comfortable with, and days and times they’d like to tutor. Volunteers should have some experience with teaching, tutoring, or helping educate others in another way, but do not need professional certification. Tutors generally work with one student at a time but may be assigned to small groups if multiple students need help in the same subject.
Volunteering will take place primarily during after school hours and may be virtual or in-person depending on the needs of the student. In-person tutoring locations include the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, the YMCA of Greater Nashua, Nashua PAL, Girls Inc, the Nashua Public Library, the Salvation Army of Nashua, the 21st Century Extended Day Program, and United Way of Greater Nashua.
Volunteers will be expected to pass a background check annually.
Those interested in finding out more should contact United Way at tutoring@unitedwaynashua.org or (603)882-4011.
United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.
