Tutorial Project Wraps Up Semester with Fall 2024 Closing Ceremony: Lasting Impact on Youth Learning through Tutoring
By: Cameron Moore
Johns Hopkins University’s Tutorial Project, founded in 1958, has been providing personalized academic support to elementary school students in the Baltimore area for over six decades. The program offers tutoring in reading and math to students in grades 1 through 5. This semester, nearly 120 children participated, receiving individualized tutoring twice a week at the Homewood campus in Levering Hall. Each child is paired with a one-on-one tutor, and more than one-third of these tutors are part of the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS), a public-private initiative dedicated to helping school-aged children succeed in today’s economy and democracy. Additionally, tutors are eligible to use their Federal Work-Study awards for their tutoring hours as part of the America Reads/America Counts program.
In addition to regular learning sessions, the program organized several fun and engaging activities, including a Fall Fest, a Book Fair, and playtime, helped to foster a sense of community and joy for the children this semester. The program’s educational focus remained centered on building fluency in both reading and math, with an emphasis on automaticity in reading and the rapid recall of addition and multiplication facts. Tutors receive rigorous training before the start of each semester to ensure they are equipped to help students build both academic skills and self-confidence, guiding them to read more quickly, accurately, and expressively while improving their math skills.
Monday Wednesday Tutorial Group Photographed by: Ernest Jones
Ernest Jones, a parent of two children enrolled in the program, shared his family’s transformative experience. “What ultimately motivated me to enroll was the program’s emphasis on fostering both academic growth and confidence in students,” Jones explained. “Knowing that the program could cater to the individual needs of each child and provide tailored support was exactly what we were looking for.”
Before joining the Tutorial Project, Jones’ 10-year-old daughter struggled with math, particularly with confidence in solving problems and understanding foundational concepts. His 9-year-old daughter needed support in improving her reading fluency and comprehension, as well as building self-assurance as a student. Since starting the program, both children have shown remarkable growth. “My 10-year-old has made incredible progress in math,” Jones said. “Not only has her understanding deepened, but her confidence in tackling math challenges has been inspiring. She now approaches math with excitement, rather than hesitation.” Similarly, his 9-year-old daughter has flourished as a reader, with significant improvements in her fluency and comprehension. “Most importantly, she now approaches her schoolwork with confidence and joy. It’s been wonderful watching her read independently and even share what she’s learned with others,” Jones shared.
Amy Wilson Closing Ceremony Speech Photographed by: Ernest Jones
Program Director Amy Wilson reflected, “As a former teacher, I came in knowing that academics are important, but I’ve come to realize that the mentoring relationship that develops between our tutors and their tutees is just as essential. Families consistently tell us that their child is more confident after leaving our program, and I think this is due in large part to the one-on-one attention tutees receive from their tutors.” This personalized approach continues to be at the heart of the Tutorial Project’s success, as it not only boosts students’ academic skills but also nurtures their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
On Wednesday, December 4, and Thursday, December 5, the Tutorial Program held its annual closing ceremony to celebrate the end of the semester.
The ceremony began with heartfelt acknowledgments and speeches from Dr. Jasmine Blanks Jones, Amy Wilson, and the student directors, Alec Cabalinan and Sun Moon. Their reflections on the semester highlighted the profound impact the program has had on both the tutees and the tutors. They expressed deep gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the tutors, student organizers, and families, while also celebrating the significant academic and personal growth of the children involved.
Jessamine Jin Closing Ceremony Speech
Tutorial tutor and senior Jessamine Jin has been involved with the Tutorial Project since her first year at Hopkins. At the Closing Ceremony, she reflected on her time with the program. “It’s been incredible to witness the growth, creativity, and connection that this community fosters—watching everyone not only achieve their goals but also support each other in ways that go beyond academics. The energy and passion that everyone here brings every day has reminded me of the power of collaboration and the joy of shared learning. It was an honor to host families who also had a chance to reflect on the Tutorial Project. When asked how their children benefit from being part of the program, families overwhelmingly mention the confidence it builds. This program has been beneficial to my tutee both academically and socially. He truly enjoys the time he spends with his tutor, student organizer, and student director. I believe they inspire him to be better and work hard,” Jin states.
Monday Wednesday Perfect Attendance Tutors
The student organizers made speeches and called up the tutees in their pods to receive their certificates and second Book Fair books. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of perfect attendance awards to both tutors and tutees. A reception with cake was served following the closing ceremonies to celebrate the end of an amazing semester and the lasting impact of the program’s work in the community.
As the Tutorial Project prepares for the new year, there is no doubt that its impact on the academic and personal development of young learners will continue to thrive, fostering a community where confidence and academic success go hand in hand. Thank you to the Director, Organizers, Tutors, and students for your involvement in the program. We are excited to see what next year will bring!
For more information about the Johns Hopkins University Tutorial Project, visit the Center for Social Concern’s website.