Cost, experience and availability are the biggest challenges parents face when trying to find a tutor for their children. But a new program launched by Brock University Concurrent Education students aims to fix that.

Designed for students in Grades 1 to 8, the Elementary School Homework Help program organized the Concurrent Education Student Association (CESA) is already seeing early success and positive reviews.

Initiated by the overwhelming desire of CESA members to gain valuable one-on-one experience with children, the idea of tutoring was an ideal fit.

There have been lots of moving parts to get things started,” said Tayler Villamere, Vice-President Finance and Administration for CESA. “At the end of last year, the executive team was interviewing potential members and asked about opportunities ConEd students hope to have. Across the board it was ‘spend more time with kids.’ They wanted to use skills they’ve learned and be with kids and help them in any aspect, so this is what we came up with.”

The program is a free service designed to mutually benefit young students and their parents, as well as the volunteers who see it as a great opportunity to get more practical experience.

“Parents like the idea that we’re teachers in training. I think they felt more comfortable knowing that our experiences are current and that we’re trained in the field of education” said Villamere.

Held on Wednesday evenings, the Homework Help sessions require no official registration or commitment.

“It’s just a drop in, so you can just show up for 15 mins or two hours — whatever fits your schedule,” said Nathalie Jackson, Volunteer Coordinator. “It’s a basic program and students can come in with any of their problems – a simple problem or a 10-page review for a test – and we’re equipped and excited to work with the kids.”

The program shows Brock’s Concurrent Education students are devoted to their passion of teaching and are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help children in need of tutoring.

“I think ConEd is such a wonderful, unique program that is growing and dynamic. All the students we have coming into the program really want to make our association bigger and better, and provide more opportunities to make a difference here at Brock,” said Villamere. “Personally I think it’s such a rewarding thing to see people so like-minded enjoy the things you’ve put out there.”

The program aims to provide the best results by matching volunteers with children in their particular stream who need assistance with those volunteer’s teachable subjects.

“We want to make it accessible to everyone, we want to make sure every student has the opportunity to learn and grow,” Villamere said.

For more information about Homework Help please contact CESA via at info@brockconed.com.