It's the start of the school year again and fall is in the air.  In our household, this has always mean the start of a new tutoring relationship with a local student.

Chris and I have been involved with an organization called Invest in Youth, for a combined 10+ years. Chris served on the board for several years and we have both tutored at several Seattle elementary schools.

Each year I've tutored, I've had a single student assigned to me for the entire year. Being able to provide academic help to an individual student for nine months is very rewarding and I've felt appreciated by each student I've gotten to know. Every October has been marked by the anticipation of meeting my new student, getting familiar with the school layout and program manager, participating in the one-day tutor training, and meeting the other tutors.

This year, I had hoped to tutor again at Roxhill Elementary, in West Seattle. I recently realized however, that the timing with childcare for our two girls won't allow me to commit to the weekly Monday session from 2:45-3:45pm. I do plan to be a substitute when Chris and I can make it work.

Because I'm disappointed that I'm not able to fully participate this year, I'd like to spread the word about how great Invest in Youth is and find others out there who are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience. Last year, Invest in Youth put together an informal presentation at The Pioneer Collective and gained two new tutors out of it. These two tPC members were such valuable tutors for Invest in Youth, that this year the organization plans to stop by and provide another informal presentation with lunch, on September 21st.

It is open to anyone interested in learning more. We would love to have you contact us if you are interested.

Full disclosure: my mother, Harriett Morton, started this organization in 1997 which makes it particularly close to my heart.

Here's a bit more from the organization:

If you're looking for a way to get involved or give back to your community, this could be your opportunity! Invest in Youth is looking for role model tutors to work one-on-one with elementary students at local schools, including Madrona Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Daniel Bagley Elementary, Roxhill Elementary and Beacon Hill International. 

Tutoring begins the second week of October, runs through May, and takes place once every week at each school.

Each tutor is matched with the same student for the whole school year, and the pair works together on things like homework, playing math games, or reading stories, for one hour each week. Educational materials and activities, training and support, and heartfelt appreciation are provided at every session. 

For more information or to apply to be a tutor, please contact Erika Chen at echen@investinyouth.org or visit our website: https://www.investinyouth.org/volunteer/ 

Can't commit to the full school year? Become a substitute tutor or share this with your friends who might be interested.