Tutor programs hold great promise for helping children succeed in school, but getting a new program off the ground can challenge even the most dedicated organizers. Our new publication, Growing a Volunteer Tutor Program: Engaging Communities to Support Schools, offers advice for surviving the critical start-up year.

Because a good start is key to success, our story centers on a program's first 12 months. Follow Maria Martin, our fictional program director, as she launches a volunteer tutor program in a make-believe community. Through four seasons, Maria encounters many of the challenges that arise in the real world of school-community partnerships. She must find schools willing to open their doors to tutors, while recruiting volunteers willing to invest their time. Her tutors need help in working effectively with teachers. Funders want proof that her program helps children succeed. Meanwhile, Maria needs a mentor of her own! And the children? They make it all worthwhile.

Click here for an introduction to Growing a Volunteer Tutor Program: Engaging Communities to Support Schools.

If you are a national service program funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, you can order a free copy of Growing a Volunteer Tutor Program, by calling ETR Associates at 1-800-860-2684 ext. 142 or email nsrc-shipping@etr.org

If you are not associated with a national service program, you can order copies of Growing a Volunteer Tutor Program for $9.00 each from NWREL's Online Product Catalog.