Heart Math Tutoring is looking for volunteer tutors (http://hearttutoring.org/volunteers/become-a-volunteer/#volunteer) to support over 1,100 students in the 2018/19 school year. Did you know that 56 percent of economically disadvantaged children in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools perform below grade level in math^[1]? Or that math achievement at age 7 is predictive of socioeconomic status at age 42^[2]? A poor foundation in math can have negative consequences for a student’s early self-identity as a successful student and long-term opportunities.

Heart Math Tutoring (Heart) (http://hearttutoring.org/) – a local nonprofit organization committed to helping students in high-poverty CMS elementary schools develop a strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics – is kicking off its annual volunteer recruitment campaign for the 2018/19 school year. As part of Heart’s expansion, its goal is to serve 1,100 students by recruiting approximately 1,300 volunteers between now and mid-September.

As a volunteer tutor with Heart, your addition makes a difference! Delivering more than 17,000 hours of one-on-one math instruction during the 2017/18 school year, 980 volunteer tutors were committed to the success of their students. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of Heart students met program growth goals in math, growing in two or more building block concept areas. Just 30 minutes or one hour per week can have a profound impact on a student’s success.

“Four out of six of my Heart students made double gains on their growth from beginning of year CASE assessment… Carl did not see himself as successful in anything, and because of the work you have all been doing, he now sees himself as a scholar.” ~ Ms. Dahleesia Johnson, Sterling Elementary Teacher

Volunteering with Heart is Simple

Heart volunteers commit to weekly tutoring sessions that last either 30 minutes or one hour. Math does not have to be a strong subject for volunteers because Heart provides a structured elementary-level curriculum that features hands-on activities and math games. If you can count, you can tutor math with Heart. A Heart staff person is on site during tutoring sessions to make sure tutors have what they need. Volunteer opportunities are available at schools throughout Charlotte-Mecklenburg. We invite you to check out our school locations and available tutoring times. (http://hearttutoring.org/volunteers/become-a-volunteer/#locations).

“Heart is a great way to make a difference when you have limited time to commit or need some flexibility. The materials and support provided are outstanding [at helping you] to be successful even with a short time spent with the student.” ~ Anonymous volunteer survey, 2018

One hundred percent (100%) of almost 600 tutors surveyed had a positive experience in 2017/18. See what other volunteer tutors have to say about volunteering with Heart. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruD-raVEj-4)

Support the Campaign

Since today is the official kickoff of Heart’s Volunteer Recruitment Campaign, here’s how you can help us spread the word: Journalists are invited to run this story in upcoming editions of publications. For employers and civic groups, Heart would be happy to send team members to your location to present information on the need or provide an insert for a company newsletter. Current volunteer tutors are encouraged to share the volunteer recruitment campaign with colleagues, family members, and friends. And, everyone can post on their favorite social media outlets using the campaign hashtags - #YourAdditionMakesADifference and #VolunteerWithHeart.