The BTW After-school Library Program (ALP) provides volunteers with the opportunity to:
• help children from different backgrounds and cultures with their homework and reading.
• gain experience in a Kindergarten-8th grade tutoring and literacy setting.
• provide a much needed and appreciated service to the local community.
• develop close mentor relationships with children.
The Booker T. Washington After-school Library Program began in February 2006, after a request from parents in the Shadowwood community. These families face difficulties due to low incomes, cultural differences, language barriers, and a sense of social exclusion. The program was initiated by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at UIUC, the Latino Partnership (comprised of organizations who meet to discuss services for local Latino families), and Booker T. Washington Elementary School (BTW). Spring 2007, the program partnered with the Don Moyers Boys and Girls Club and the UI Family Resiliency Center.
In Fall 2006, the program served students from third through fifth grade. Spring 2007, the program increased in size, serving thirty-eight at-risk students in kindergarten through seventh grade. Fall 2007, we served thirty-three students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Ten students are African American, one is Vietnamese, and twenty-two are Hispanic. Spring 2008, we hope to raise the number of students served by recruiting more volunteers!
The program operates from 3:00-5:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Tutors need to be able to come consistently at least one of these days every week. Tutors are paired with one or two students, so coming more than once will increase bonds formed and decrease student-to-tutor ratios.
BTW School is located at 606 E. Grove in Champaign, next door to the Douglass Branch Library. You'll find information on getting to the school and the daily schedule, under the "Documents Center" section.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact Laura Lowe- LauraLowe826@gmail.com.
Volunteer training and orientation starts January 22nd. Volunteers need to complete a volunteer application and criminal background check in advance and bring to orientation.
