Update: January 7, 2021
In just a few short months since we launched this partnership, iFoster members from multiple states have benefited from almost 3,000 minutes of free tutoring with Learn To Be. Although most youth have requested tutoring in math, students are receiving support in reading, writing and science. Tutors have been able to help students of all academic levels – from ESL support to AP English. The majority of the youth referred so far have been matched with a Learn To Be tutor in less than 24 hours.
Multiple caregivers have reported to iFoster that the tutoring is going great. Most importantly they have expressed that their students have been engaged and really like their tutors.
Original Announcement: November 25, 2020
The digital divide has grown larger for underserved youth as schools transitioned to online learning in early 2020. The K-12 school experience has taken on a different form and presented new challenges for all students — increased responsibility and independence, decreased social interaction and decreased access to support resources. These challenges are exacerbated for underserved youth.
iFoster has partnered with Learn To Be — a national nonprofit that provides one on one virtual tutoring in any subject for students in K-12th grade. Learn To Be has been providing tutoring to “underserved” youth since 2012. They work with vetted tutors to provide quality tutoring to ensure that students don’t fall behind academically and have access to the tutoring they need to fulfill their academic potential.
How does the Learn To Be program work?
Tutoring services are provided through the Learn To Be online platform. Students will need access to internet service and either a laptop, PC or Chromebook. Tutoring cannot be conducted through a tablet or phone at this time.
How can foster youth access Learn To Be?
A caregiver, social worker or someone familiar with the child and their academic needs must fill out the enrollment form. This person will supply their email address and they will be the point of contact for the tutor.
The Learn To Be program will prioritize referrals made by and on behalf of iFoster members. Enrollment forms can be accessed by logging in to the iFoster portal. If you’re not yet an iFoster member, sign up here for free.
To be prepared, the application for Learn To Be will ask:
a) Student Info: name, DOB, student’s email, grade level
b) Guardian Info: Name, guardian’s email, phone number, address
c) Description of Child and Tutoring Needs: Please do not share any sensitive or confidential info. Share things that would be important for a tutor to know about the child and the specific academic needs.
d) Payment: It does ask if you can pay anything for tutoring. You should select “I am unable to pay” because they are providing this free to any iFoster members.
After you complete the application, it will be reviewed, and a tutor will email the point of contact on the enrollment form within a week to schedule a time to meet.
Before the first meeting with the tutor, the youth/caregiver should log in to the tutoring platform. During the first meeting with the tutor, an adult should be present with the student to log on to the online classroom and set up a weekly schedule. You must honor that schedule and contact the tutor if your schedule changes.
What tools do I need to access Learn To Be?
Learn To Be can only be accessed using a Chromebook, Laptop or Desktop with a microphone. You will also need high-speed internet. The online classroom will not work from a tablet or smartphone. Learn more about optimizing your at-home technology for remote learning.
Please contact iFoster at 855-936-7837 email support@ifoster.org to explore if we can assist you in getting a device or exploring other tutoring options.
If you have any questions about tutoring, you can give feedback directly to the Learn To Be tutor or on the tutoring platform. If you have questions on how to access this resource, please contact iFoster at 855-936-7837 or support@ifoster.org.
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