Mathews-Dickey Volunteer Tutorial Program The Mathews-Dickey Volunteer Tutorial Program was initiated in 1986 in conjunction with the St. Louis Public School System. Since inception, the Club has assisted more than 4,000 students with math, reading and language arts skills. This one-on-one tutoring program targets youngsters in grades kindergarten through eighth, in their formative years when study skills are beginning to develop. Special assistance is also provided to high-school aged students. The program is free. Because of its quality programming, Mathews-Dickey is widely respected on a local and national basis. In 1982, we were recognized as a model for the nation by President Ronald Reagan. We also were featured on the NBC Today Show and helped launch a career internship program for high-school students in 36 cities across the United States. The Club also was recognized as a “21st Century Learning Center” by the White House. WHO: The program is open to all young men and women, and it matches them with volunteer tutors. Tutors meet with a student one-on-one at least one hour per week throughout the school year, and help children in their areas of weakness, as identified by a teacher. TUTORS: Tutors are recruited from various corporations, educational institutions, sororities/fraternities, and business and civic organizations. Tutors provide more than teaching assistance; in many instances they serve as role models and mentors to the children. STUDENTS: Students are referred to the program by their teachers and coaches, as well as by their parents. Some students enter the program with poor grades, needing remedial assistance, while others simply need motivation and guidance to perform at higher levels. PARENTS: Parental involvement is strongly encouraged, and there is a list of guidelines by which parents are asked to abide. WHY: Martin L. Mathews, president and CEO of Mathews-Dickey, has called illiteracy “a fast-growing widespread dilemma,” citing that there are millions of Americans who cannot read the warnings on a can of pesticide, a note from their child’s teacher, or the front page of a newspaper. Through the Volunteer Tutorial Program, the Club is bringing an end to this unfortunate crisis. WHEN: Tutoring sessions meet Monday through Thursday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the CLIP lab. CONTACT: For more information contact Quarnisha Williams, (314) 382-5952, ext. 232. The program demonstrates to our parents and young people that athletics and academics can and should coexist. After-School Program In 1998, we initiated the After-School Program provides structured, safe, and meaningful after-school activities for about 100 students during the year. This program was recognized by the White House as a 21st Century Learning Center and has been replicated at 14 other city-wide sites. Our goals are to increase the availability of educational resources for parents, expand enrollment in the After-School Program, and increase tutor training and student tracking/evaluation. Because computer training is heavily emphasized in all our programs, we are always exploring additional resources to keep our technology state-of-the-art. Perhaps the best testimonial for our educational programs was provided by one of our students: “The program is one of the best I’ve ever attended.” Computer Literacy Instruction Program (CLIP) Using the latest Microsoft products, CLIP offers basic computer training to hundreds of club members and young people from five St. Louis Public School. Special thanks to A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., Edward Jones, IRS, Nestle Purina Pet Care Company, RFMS, SSM Health Care, SBC and Word Pro Systems for providing instructors for our youth classes. OBJECTIVES: Improve career opportunities for the adults and academic performance for the students. Also, we are in the process of establishing a distance learning infrastructure. Produce computer literate and proficient CLIPPERS (CLIP participants). Augment the existing Education Program in the areas of math, science, reading and technology by establishing an all-encompassing computer laboratory to introduce young people to computer basics and provide them with the opportunity to conduct internet research for college entrance and homework assignments, and participate in ACT and other educational enrichment tutorials. Provide adults with computer technology training to enter and advance in the 21st century work force. Prepare youth and adult participants for the job market of the future through class training, field trips to local businesses and internships. The lab is dedicated to the late NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, who donated its first computer in 1992. CONTACT: For more information contact, Barbara Washington, vice president, public relations & special events, Mathews-Dickey, (314) 382-5952, ext. 234. © 2004 Mathews Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club site. Designed by the Moore Design Group.