Tutoring Program
AO’s tutoring program is designed to support self-identifying Indigenous youth from kindergarten to grade 12 who are seeking additional academic support. This program is two-fold. The first support will be an 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 to help work on any school subject, form community, and get active. The second support option is virtual tutoring and will completed using the Zoom video conferencing platform. We recommend that students attend in-person if accessible, however, if this is not possible students are welcome to attend tutoring virtually. With a 500% higher school dropout rate for Indigenous versus non-Indigenous students we believe our program can help Indigenous youth seek out support to succeed in school.
Sports
AO’s Winter sports program is running each week alongside tutoring. Programming will be running next door to the tutoring room in the gym with fun new activities each week for students in kindergarten through 12. We will be rotating through sports like indoor basketball, soccer, dodgeball, and floor hockey. Check out our monthly calendars for more information and don’t forget to join us for our ice cream party in February and pizza party in April!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I qualify for tutoring?
If you self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis and are in kindergarten through 12, you qualify for tutoring at AO and 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 the 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 reccomended to bring what you may need if it is accessible to you. For example, 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 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. From here, 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 someone who 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.
Where and when will tutoring take place?
Fall programing is set to start Thursday September 14th, 2023 and will run until December 21st 2023. 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 7:00 pm. If students are unable to join in person, we will also have Zoom as a virtual tutoring option.