Program Spotlight: School on Wheels
Volunteer tutoring for homeless youth after school and during summer
Summer Matters spoke with a representative from School on Wheels about their summer program. School on Wheels was founded in 1993 by a retired school teacher who saw first hand how homelessness affects children’s learning. The following is an excerpt from that interview.
Tell us about your summer learning program.
We provide FREE one on one tutoring to children experiencing homelessness throughout Southern California.
How is it different than a traditional summer school?
We provide tutoring year round and go to where the students are. We meet kids in public places such as libraries, shelters and after school clubs. We are the only nonprofit in Southern California that helps homeless children succeed in school year round.
Why did you choose this approach?
School on Wheels provides volunteers with an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of homeless students. Summer is not vacation time for homeless kids, it’s a time of learning loss and instability. Our volunteer tutors are helping homeless kids every week to fill in the gaps in their education and be a positive mentor in their lives.
What are the benefits to students?
- Free weekly one on one tutoring
- Free backpacks and school supplies
- Scholarship program
- Learning Center in the heart of Skid Row
- Online tutoring and digital learning
What advice do you have for other leaders of summer learning programs?
Keep learning fun! And for everyone else, consider volunteering. Today more than 2,000 volunteers throughout Southern California meet students every week to help them succeed in school. We need more volunteers so we can help more students!
Where can parents and families learn more about your program?
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