In an hour a week you can change a life!

We bet you can find an hour in your schedule to help a local student do better in school. We have needs at all the schools we partner with in San Carlos and Redwood City.

Teen tutor? Go here to learn more about the benefits unique to being a teen volunteer tutor.

We are recruiting volunteers for the 2024/25 school year! It’s easy to sign up and we work hard to find a student who matches your availability and interests.

• Flexible schedule — sign up to volunteer for one hour per week. Times vary by school site; mostly on weekdays, 3pm – 6pm. Some weekend times are available.
• Tutors of all ages are needed! We have a special program for teen tutors and provide additional training and mentoring so these valuable volunteers can learn important life skills while helping students.
• Training and support provided. We provide one-on-one and group sessions where you can work with HCT staff to be the best volunteer tutor possible!

Sign up here. Email alex@healthycitiestutoring.org with any questions.

When you volunteer to be a tutor you let us know what days and times work best for you and we’ll try to match your schedule. We’re in touch with you every step of the way!

• Most tutoring takes place at the school library especially if it’s during school or right after school. Tutoring can also happen at a local public library if the school library is closed for the day.
• Tutoring usually happens on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• We provide guidance, support, and feedback. The student’s teacher provides work for you to do together and often students themselves (especially middle school students!) take ownership of tutoring success and will come to each session with school work you can help them with.

Help a student with middle school math!

• Piloted in the 2023/24 year, HCT now has a targeted middle school math program designed to help students close the gap and be on target by the time they graduate from middle school.
  • Participating schools provide data that identifies specific areas of focus for tutors, personalized for each student.
  • HCT worked with a middle school math educator to develop curriculum tools that are provided to tutors so they have weekly work and resources to help their student learn middle school math.
  • HCT runs special math training and workshops to help tutors understand how to use the new curriculum.

To sign up as a tutor right away, click the blue button

 

Watch an introduction video

In  4 short minutes your will get a great overview of what our program is about. This video is from our 2019 Volunteer Recognition Event, hear from our Executive Director, city officials, tutors and students, and more!

 

Even though this video is several years old now, it’s a heartwarming video featuring inspirational stories from students and tutors, school officials and founding director, Donna Becht.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

IS TUTORING IN PERSON OR REMOTE?

Tutoring is in-person, at a school site, or local public library.

HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED TO GIVE TO THE PROGRAM?

You can have an impact on a child’s education in just one hour per week. As a Healthy Cities tutor, your time, attention, and encouragement will help a student grow and gain confidence.

What is the minimum age to become a tutor?

You have to be either in 8th grade or 14 years old to become a Healthy Cities tutor.

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE?

No tutoring experience is necessary. Our tutors are people just like you: caring adults, teens, retirees, educators, and members of service clubs like Rotary and Kiwanis. We provide training and support. All you need is a little time and the desire to help a child succeed.

HOW OLD ARE THE STUDENTS I WILL BE WORKING WITH?

The students are elementary and middle school students, ages 5-14 (Kindergarten through 8th grade).

WILL I BE WORKING ONE-ON-ONE WITH A STUDENT?

Yes. Our program is designed with a student-to-tutor ratio of 1:1. We will match you with a student that you can work with on a weekly basis.

HOW AM I MATCHED WITH A STUDENT?

We work closely with you, teachers, and school administrators to match students with the right tutor for their unique needs and situation.

HOW FLEXIBLE ARE THE SCHEDULED TIMES?

You will be able to schedule your tutoring time to work with your schedule and the family’s schedule however most tutoring takes place between 3 pm – 6 pm, Monday through Thursday. In some cases, tutoring happens during their school day, later in the afternoon, or even weekends.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO COMMIT TO WORKING WITH THE STUDENT?

We ask for a commitment of six months. Tutoring typically takes place during the school year. Some of our tutors develop a bond with their student and stay with them for years. The commitment will vary, depending on the student’s needs and your availability.

WHERE DOES THE TUTORING TAKE PLACE?

Tutoring usually takes place at the student’s elementary or middle school (San Carlos School District and Redwood City School District) or at one of the public libraries.

WILL I RECEIVE TRAINING/SUPPORT?

We provide training and when you are matched up with a child, his/her teacher will also give you guidance and instruction to help make the most of your weekly one-on-one sessions. We also have volunteer coordinators at each school who provide additional support.

WHAT WILL I BE WORKING ON WITH THE STUDENT?

Typical things tutors work on with their student may include homework, reading, math skills, organization, study skills, building self-esteem and mentoring.

CAN I CONNECT WITH OTHER TUTORS IN THE DISTRICT?

Yes, HCT has trainings and socials where you can meet other tutors and share techniques, tips and tricks to help your students succeed.

CAN I GET SERVICE HOURS TO MEET HIGH SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS?

Yes, we will be happy to sign off on the hours you work as a tutor with the student.

WILL I BE FINGERPRINTED?

Yes, all applicants over 18 will need to be fingerprinted (minimal or no cost to applicant).

WHEN CAN I START?

Tutoring happens during the school year. Needs will present themselves throughout the year, so anytime is a good time to start helping a child!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Click the button to sign up!