Tutoring

As tutors and tutees meet for 1-2 hours each week, tutors not only help with homework, but also give guidance and often become a part of their tutee’s life. Tutors are required to attend mandatory orientation and training, which will prepare them to properly support children and youth to best fit their needs. For more information about tutoring and volunteering, please check out ‘Volunteering’ on this website.

COMPUTER BANK

Nineteen computers are made available to the children and youth to use for homework, educational games, and creative activities. We have added a 3D printer to our science room, in addition to four computers to expand technological and creative opportunities.

LENDING LIBRARY

A lending library is available to children and youth with nearly 10,000 titles. We offer a daily book table for participants to pick a book that they may read and keep. Library books can be borrowed and returned after they have been enjoyed. We also hold book clubs for children of all ages.

HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE

Opportunities for homework help are provided for all students. We emphasize a 1:3 ratio (1 staff/volunteer for 3 young people), where tutors can help students understand and complete their homework under staff supervision. Parents can also request one-on-one help for their child, allowing individual educational assistance. The following resources are provided for students receiving homework help: school supplies, computers, and the opportunity to work within the student’s requested environment (e.g., library, courtyard, etc.). Our academic support is driven by your child’s comfortability and success!

GUIDED LEARNING CLUBS

Guided Learning clubs are offered at different times throughout the year for 6-8 weeks. Some examples are “Dreams that Stick” (inventors and their inventions), “Clifford, the Big Red Dog” (part of our children’s book series), “Holidays Around the World”, and “Exploring the Long Beach Port”. Guided Learning is woven into everything we do, as we look for every moment being a ‘teaching moment’.

LIFE SKILL CLUBS

Life Skill clubs are offered at various times throughout the year for 6 to 8 weeks. Some of our most popular club events are “Manners Talk” and “Money Counts”.  Life Skills development is woven throughout our program and club events as we teach responsibility, respect, and accountability.

FOCUSED SKILL SETS

Volunteers have the opportunity to offer their skill sets to children and the youth.  A volunteer’s talent and passion go a long way in helping young individuals become motivated and passionate in their own lives.  For example, a volunteer who loves writing was able to share her passion to participants through one hour creative writing workshops each week. The children were so inspired by her that they collectively wrote a book!

STEM CLUBS

STEM clubs are offered at various times throughout the year for 6 to 8 weeks. Some examples include the Lego Club and the Numbers Dance. We also offer 3D printing in our science room for participants to bring their creativity to life.

A huge thank you to the Carrie Townsend Foundation and the Port of Long Beach for their special support to enhance our STEM experience!

SCIENCE CENTER

Our Science Center was made possible in part by Southern California Edison. Activities here often involve technology, engineering, and mathematics to support experimentation and exploration under the direction of those who love the world of science.

ARTS CLUBS

Art clubs are offered throughout the year for children to express their imaginations. We also offer an Art Center that is open daily for young people to visit and become inspired by others. Digital art, painting, sketching, duct tape art, and origami are commonly favorites!

MADD INC SUMMER PROGRAM

Music, Art, Drama, and Dance Incorporating New Creativity

MADD INC is part of our six week intensive summer program. Artists join our leadership team to help students develop their creativity skills and produce art that is long-lasting and inspiring.  Classes not only include art (e.g., sculptures and paintings), but also involve music, dance, acting, and writing. In a previous MADD INC summer program, we focused on regional artists throughout the country, including Georgia O’Keefe. 

EVENTS

Special events are held several times throughout the year. For instance, we previously held a Stanford Alumni Learning Fair in April and a Back-to-School Prep Day. These events prepared children and youth before returning to school with the distribution of school supplies, haircuts, and activities that promote mental health.

We host birthdays celebrations with bi-monthly parties for those celebrating their birthday in the months being highlighted. This makes all participants feel loved and welcome!

We also celebrate additional events, including cultural traditions and holiday festivities.