Our Tutoring & Sports Program supports self-identifying Indigenous youth from kindergarten to Grade 12 who are seeking additional academic support. With a 500% higher school dropout rate for Indigenous versus non-Indigenous students, our program helps Indigenous youth seek out support to succeed in school.
Tutoring Program
This program includes in-person and online support. The in-person drop-in “homework help” is paired with our sports program. Youth can spend time in the open gym or next door in the tutoring space to help work on any school subject, form community and get active. We also offer virtual tutoring via the Zoom video conferencing platform.
We have seen some tremendous results from this program.
Here is one success story from the 2023-24 school year:
A caregiver recently shared this note about her family’s experience:
“They were able to get together with their siblings every Thursday night to learn together, laugh together and play together… Our kids have benefited so very much thanks to you. The sports hour can’t be beat – they all loved it.”
One of the kids in her care spent years in other tutoring programs without seeing any results. She joined AO’s Tutoring & Sports program this year and recently got straight As.
Another one of her kids had a very short attention span and had been labelled “non-verbal”. After working through our program, the child is now talking like his peers, no longer requires OT, and his teachers have witnessed an astounding improvement in his attention span. His latest report card was “excellent”. His caregiver attributed these great differences to our program.
Sports
In addition to our in-person and online tutoring support, our program benefits greatly from strategic partnerships with several major sports organizations, enhancing the overall experience for our youth.
Our collaboration with the Jr. NBA Foundation and the Toronto Raptors has provided unique opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn basketball skills directly from Raptors coaches and trainers at the OVO training facility in Toronto. These events not only teach athletic skills but also emphasize collaboration, teamwork, self-confidence and a sense of community.
Similarly, our partnership with the Jays Care Foundation has allowed us to run a yearly four-week baseball program for Indigenous youth, focusing on the fundamentals of the game while fostering team spirit and confidence. This partnership also offers special experiences, such as VIP treatment at the Rogers Centre at their Jays Care Community Clubhouse.
Through First Tee (Golf Canada), we offer an indoor golf program and additional events designed to break down barriers to accessing golf by providing training and opportunities at local golf clubs. Additionally, our partnership with Wrestling Canada facilitates behind-the-scenes experiences at a national wrestling competition, offering Indigenous youth a unique view of the sport.
These partnerships not only enrich our sports program but also play a crucial role in building life skills, nurturing a sense of belonging among our participants.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When & where will tutoring take place?
Winter programming is set to start Thursday September 12th, 2024 and will run until December 12th, 2024. Registration is required.
There will be in-person drop in “homework help” which will be paired with AO’s sports program. Youth can spend time in the open gym or next door in the tutoring space.
Drop-in sessions will be taking place in Kitchener at Country Hill Community Center (100 Rittenhouse Rd.) every Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. If students are unable to join in person, we will also have Zoom as a virtual tutoring option.
How do I know if I qualify for tutoring?
If you self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and are in kindergarten through Grade 12, you qualify for tutoring at AO. We will find a tutor to help you meet your academic goals in any subject.
What materials will I need to participate in this program?
A large portion of tutoring will be offered in-person in Kitchener. Getting to and from Country Hill Community Centre will be the participants’ responsibility. Bus tickets will be provided to those who request them.
Please bring any homework you are wanting to work on, along with the materials you may need to complete it. We will have some materials available at the centre, but it is recommended to bring what you may need if it is accessible to you (e.g. paper, pens, highlighters, calculators, etc.).
Who is eligible to become a tutor?
AO is currently looking for tutors that are university students either at the graduate or undergraduate level, with a keen interest in Bachelor of Education students.
In addition to having an advanced educational background, we also value tutors who have experience working with youth in an educational or extracurricular setting.
Tutors are required to pass a police vulnerable sector check, have sound knowledge of kindergarten through Grade 12 school courses and curriculum or a specific area of expertise in a specific curriculum area, are able to meet in person in Kitchener and have the ability to create a safe and inclusive environment.
AO tutors must have good interpersonal skills, be friendly and patient, while also being strong communicators.
How are tutors selected?
Tutors will undergo a thorough screening process before engaging with the youth.
The tutor selection process starts with the written application involving answering questions related to why they want to be a volunteer tutor at AO and why they are a good fit. Once the tutoring manager has read through the application, selected applicants will move on to the interview stage which will determine if the candidate is the right fit for the organization and position.
Once selected, onboarding training will take place to ensure the tutor will be well equipped and prepared to start their role.
Do I have to self-identify as indigenous to become a tutor?
No, tutors do not have to self-identify as Indigenous. However, we do encourage Indigenous applicants and priority will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
If you do not self-identify as Indigenous and are interested in tutoring, we are looking for candidates that agree with the objectives and philosophy of Anishnabeg Outreach, and displays a caring, respectful attitude toward the families and team members.
AO tutors must also have a good understanding of the communities we serve and seek to build equitable opportunities for participation.