Be the Change

Be the Change is a collaborative tutor recruitment effort to support students in high need schools at Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS). Partners in this effort include Bearcat Buddies (University of Cincinnati), Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, Council of Christian Communions, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, CPS, the Strive Partnership, and 100 Black Men.

Read a recent Cincinnati Enquirer article, click here.

While the demand for tutors is very high, especially in low-performing schools at CPS, the supply of committed tutors is limited. This means that children in our city are not getting the support they need to succeed.  By giving a mere one hour a week to volunteer as a tutor, you will be making a difference in the life of a student who really needs your help.

It’s EASY to Be the Change. Become a tutor:

1. Contact an Agency:

Tutoring agencies will help you go through the necessary steps to become an approved volunteer.  These steps include getting a background check, volunteer badge, training, and placement within a school.  If you're not sure which agency is right for you, just email or call us at bethechange@strivetogether.org, 513.929.1343.

University of Cincinnati - Bearcat Buddies: bearcatbuddies@gmail.com

XU: Coming soon!

Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati: 513-621-7323

Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati: khils@LNGC.org

Council of Christian Communions: CCCGC1914@gmail.com

Beech Acres: baintake@beechacres.org, 231.6630

United Way of Greater Cincinnati: www.uwgc.org/tutor

CYC Partners in Education: sschmitt@cycyouth.org,  513-475-4149

2. Choose a School:

Be the change is focusing on providing support for the children who need it most in high need CPS Elementary Initiative schools.  However, every school could benefit from increased tutors, so if there is another school you would like to volunteer with, we can gladly place you in your school of choice.  Click here for a list of priority schools.

3. Get Trained:

Tutors are required to complete a one-time, 2 hour training session in reading and/or math to ensure that we support our students in the most effective way possible.

4. Get Placed:

Once tutors are approved and trained, on-site school personnel will match the tutor with a student based on time preference, content preference, and school preference.  These on-site coordinators will support and assist tutors through the tutoring process at the school site.

5. Tutor One Hour, Once a Week:

Tutors must commit to training and working with a student for one hour each week.  Materials for each lesson will be provided to the tutor at the school the day of the lesson.