November 10, 1999
(Education)

Tutoring for Tuition a "win-win" Program

In a win-win situation, primary to high school students in the province whose grade average can benefit from the boost of some academic support are tutored by high school students, who earn vouchers towards their post-secondary tuition. This students-helping-students approach is the crux of the Department of Education's Tutoring for Tuition program.

Started as a pilot project in 1997/98, the program sees the participation of more than 1,200 students annually - about 600 tutors and over 600 pupils. Nearly $1.5 million has been invested in this program since its inception in 1997/98. Five hundred thousand dollars was allocated in the first year, $500,000 in 98/99 and $495,000 in 1999/2000.

"This is a million-dollar program, both literally and figuratively. The K-12 students in the program benefit by the academic support they receive. The mentoring relationship that is built also encourages them to pursue post-secondary education, since that is what their tutors are clearly working toward. The tutors benefit by earning vouchers towards the cost of their post-secondary tuition but also gain responsibility and organizational skills, hands-on experience that may help with career planning, and the satisfaction that comes with helping others," said Education Minister Judy Foote. "Tutoring for Tuition is a win-win program that we are pleased and proud to support."

To participate, high school students who wish to be tutors apply to the designated program coordinator for their school. Students who could benefit from the support of a tutor are identified by school staff and selected by the school program coordinator.

Evaluation of the 1997/98 and 1998/99 programs was very positive and is on-going for the 1999/2000 program.

Tutoring for Tuition is administered by the Youth Services Division of the Department of Education with the input of the Provincial Advisory Committee, comprising representation from the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers' Association, the province's school boards, the Department of Human Resources & Employment, the Department of Education, and Human Resources Development Canada.

Media contact: Nancy Healey, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0048.

1999 11 10                                         1:05 p.m.