Since its humble beginnings in the 1950s as a volunteer homework assistance initiative at Neighborhood House, the Star Learning Center has been a beacon of educational support in the community. Officially established in 1971 through a partnership between Neighborhood House and St. Matthew and St. Timothy’s Center, the Star Learning Center has consistently provided invaluable resources to students. In 2011, this impactful program became a vital part of Goddard Riverside, further solidifying its commitment to the community.
Join Our Mission: Volunteer Tutor Opportunities at Star Learning Center
Become a part of something meaningful and make a real difference in a child’s life by volunteering with the Star Learning Center! We are proud to host a vibrant community of over 175 volunteer tutors, spanning ages from 15 to over 80, all dedicated to fostering academic success in young learners. If you are in 10th grade or above and passionate about education, we invite you to apply.
Why Volunteer at Star Learning Center?
- Impactful Community Engagement: Join a program with a rich 50-year history of serving the community.
- Large and Supportive Network: Become part of a community of over 175 dedicated tutors.
- Make a Tangible Difference: In the 2022-23 program year alone, our incredible volunteers contributed over 5,600 hours of tutoring.
Apply for School Year Tutoring or Summer Tutoring today and help a student thrive!
More Than Just Tutoring: Holistic Student Support at Star Learning Center
The Star Learning Center distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive approach to student development, going beyond traditional tutoring. We carefully match each student with a dedicated tutor for weekly two-hour sessions throughout the program year or summer. Our matching process is thoughtfully designed, considering not only academic needs and grade levels but also individual personalities and learning styles to ensure the most effective and supportive partnerships. Volunteers receive thorough orientation and personalized planning tools to guide their sessions. Furthermore, a wealth of tutoring materials covering diverse subjects and grade levels, along with an extensive library, are readily available to support tutors and enhance student learning.
Beyond academic tutoring, the Star Learning Center provides crucial assistance to students and their families in navigating the complexities of the educational system. Our support includes:
- NYC Public High School Application Guidance: Expert support in navigating the high school application process in New York City.
- Special Education Advocacy: Assistance with understanding and accessing NYC public schools’ special education services, including IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and connecting families with relevant resources for students with disabilities.
- College Readiness and Access: Referrals to college application and success programs to help students achieve their higher education goals.
- Enrichment Program Navigation: Support in finding and applying for valuable educational enrichment programs like Prep for Prep and the TEAK Fellowship.
Through the multifaceted support of the Star Learning Center, students not only improve their academic performance but also develop crucial confidence and a genuine love for learning. We empower students to set meaningful goals, enhance their social-emotional skills, and connect them with mentors and resources that pave the way for success in their academic journeys and future endeavors.
Hear From Our Community: Testimonials from Star Learning Center Families
“I wanted to reiterate how much T loves coming to tutoring on Thursdays. It pleases my heart, that the connection with Janet is valued to him. And he has made progress with us at home.”
Parent of a 3rd grader at Star Learning Center
“Yesterday I graduated, and as I reflected on my journey, I realized how supportive you were of me in pursuing my aspirations and seeing this experience through. I just wanted to say thank you for being a part of my network of support and for giving me the tutoring I required. Without Star Learning, I genuinely doubt I would have performed so well in college. In addition, I graduated summa cum laude…despite the odds, I tried my hardest to finish strong. I am grateful to have completed this part of my life.”
Recent graduate who received tutoring at Star Learning Center in middle school and college
Success Story: K and A’s Journey at Star Learning Center
The story of K, a dedicated volunteer tutor, and A, a motivated high school student, perfectly exemplifies the impact of the Star Learning Center. When K and A began their sessions in October 2020, A was facing academic challenges, particularly with math. Despite initial struggles, by the start of the 2022-23 school year, A had shown improvement in humanities, but math remained a hurdle.
K’s consistent support and understanding of A’s needs proved transformative. K identified that A needed help with organization and assignment management across different teacher platforms. With K’s guidance and unwavering encouragement, A not only improved her geometry grade from a C to a B+ but also successfully applied to the Summer Search program. K’s dedication and positive approach instilled a sense of motivation in A, leading to a strong finish to the school year and the opportunity to participate in the Summer Search program, a testament to the power of Star Learning Center‘s personalized tutoring approach.
