United Way of Greater Chattanooga is celebrating its tutoring program which has impacted 2,284 Hamilton County public school students in first through eighth grade. The tutoring program was launched in 2023 to accelerate learning after the COVID-19 pandemic and help students.
United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s tutoring program follows a high-dosage, low-ratio model. According to tutoring studies from EdResearch for Action, high-impact tutoring improves math and reading skills and can actually boost student achievement by 3-15 months. A facet of the program was the out-of-school tutoring support. This was made possible by partnerships with several community organizations, including Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, The Bethlehem Center, Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga, East Lake Expression Engine, InZone with Transform Ministries, Northside Neighborhood House and Y-CAP.
The program continued through the summer of 2023, ensuring that students maintained and even accelerated their academic progress during summer camp programs. As the 2023-2024 school year began, the program expanded rapidly. Almost 200 dedicated tutors were placed in nearly every Hamilton County public elementary school, providing one-on-one and small group support. Out-of-school programs also grew, reaching over 170 students at partner locations. Tutors in this program often became mentors, fostering strong and empowering relationships that extended beyond the classroom.
Deardra McGee of United Way of Greater Chattanooga was the program manager of this program. Drawing on her educational experience, she moved the program forward. Abby Garrison, vice president of Community Investments at United Way, praised Ms. McGee’s leadership, saying, "Deardra’s dedication went beyond education—she helped build a community of support around our students, creating connections that will last a lifetime."
The impact of this program is perhaps best captured in the words of Taylor, a student who participated in tutoring at The Bethlehem Center: “I loved being part of the tutoring program. My tutor made learning fun, and last year, I improved my reading and even made the honor roll on my first report card!”