Monday, February 28, 2011
In our nation’s capital, fewer than half of all students complete high school. Fewer than 10% earn a college degree, at a time when more and jobs require an advanced degree.
That’s where “FLOC” and its corps of volunteers step in. For Love of Children (FLOC) provides educational services beyond the classroom to help students succeed from first grade through college and career. For example, FLOC’s Neighborhood Tutoring Program helps students achieve grade-level competency in reading and math. Other programs offer growth opportunities for middle school, high school, and college students.
The FLOC programs clearly work: Since 2006, FLOC has helped more than 1,000 students gain at least one year in reading and math skills, often within 22 weeks; while 100% of FLOC’s high school seniors have graduated on time and gone on to pursue a post-secondary degree. FLOC has been helping children and youth since 1965.
FLOC is currently recruiting volunteer tutors for the 2010-2011 school year and the 2011-2012 school year. No experience is necessary; each volunteer is provided with extensive training and on-site staff support. Volunteers must be willing to give about two hours a week. Afternoon, evening, and weekend slots are available.
“Our waiting list never goes away,” says Tim Payne, executive director of FLOC, “Every volunteer who steps forward means one more student who can be served.”
Volunteers benefit from the experience as well. According to one volunteer, “I didn’t have much experience, but FLOC trained me how to work with the students. And it makes me feel really good to be giving back and making a difference.”
For more information or to obtain a volunteer application, contact Elizabeth Metz, Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, at emetz@floc.org or 202-349-3512. Further background, photos, videos, and a schedule of upcoming “FLOC 101” information sessions are available online at www.floc.org.
