Hey, fellow readers! Mya, here. Now that everyone has officially gotten back into the swing of things with school starting, homework assignments are right around the corner (dun dun dunnnn). We have a program here at AMF that can help with that: Whiz Kids!
Whiz Kids is a program that was started by City Gospel Mission, to provide at-risk students in the area with tutoring and mentoring sessions at local Cincinnati schools. The Foundation has partnered with the City Gospel Mission for over 10 years (since 2009). Our site is with students at Roberts Paideia Academy.
At the start of the program, AMF staff and volunteer tutors are partnered up with students ranging from kindergartners to 6th grade students, meeting every Wednesday afternoon. The focus of Whiz Kids is for students to develop basic reading skills and comprehension, and character traits.
As for those who have aged out of the Whiz Kids curriculum, the Foundation started Unplugged. Aligning with Cincinnati Public School initiatives, AMF works with these students weekly on Social and Emotional Learning activities, high school prep, future career exploration and service learning.
As we’ve had the program, we’ve found that Whiz Kids is a way to develop long lasting relationships as well. One successful story of our program is the partnership of Bill and Darwin. Bill and Darwin were paired together in 2012 and created a bond that extended far beyond a tutor student relationship. The two of them would even spend time together outside of the program, attending Red’s baseball and Bengals football games, going out to eat, and to the movies. Even through his socialization with Bill, Darwin was able to learn important life skills while outside of the classroom. Bill says, “I don’t look at that as any kind of an extra burden on me to do things with him. He’s got the best laughing grin. It makes me feel really great because I know life is tough for him. Life is hard for him, but in those moments, I know that hardship isn’t there.”
We’re inspired every day by these kids and the work our volunteers do, and the impact they make on our community. Interested in becoming a tutor? Follow the link here to sign up! Whiz Kids officially starts on September 18th so don’t wait! The only requirements are being 16 years of age or older and no prior tutoring experience is needed. The Foundation will provide you with all the necessary tools to have a start your Whiz Kids journey.
Thanks for reading about one of our favorite programs at AMF! Tune in next week to read all about our recent Topgolf Tailgate event.
Until next time,
Mya