16 Years of Dedication and Craft at the Center for Social Concern: Young Song and the Tutorial Project

by: Sierra Romero

After 16 years with the Center for Social Concern, Young Song is embarking on a new adventure. Young joined the team as the Director of the Tutorial Project, Johns Hopkins University’s flagship tutoring program. Tutorial Project is an after-school tutoring program that pair Hopkins students with elementary school students in and around Baltimore City to receive one-on-one tutoring in reading and math.

Founded in 1958, Tutorial Project has undergone waves of change and has since been shaped by the values, and dedication Young has poured into the program. “When I first got here it was very academic-focused,” she recalled. Historically supported by outside grants, Young became the Director as the Tutorial Project transitioned to being funded by Johns Hopkins University, allowing for more flexible changes to the program. “I was able to shift the focus to be not as intensely academic, with more relationship building and mentoring.”

Tutorial and Young

Young quickly began to organize Tutorial in a way that highlighted genuine connections being formed between the tutor and the tutee. Young brought a more holistic approach to what tutoring can embody. This included multiple community-building activities that are much anticipated every year. Some of the most notable include a Halloween Trick or Treat throughout Hopkins’ campus, a spring Field Day, and a semesterly closing ceremony.

Young’s attention to detail and care for Tutorial was reflected in small but powerful actions. This includes preparing fresh produce snacks multiple times a week, shouting out nominated tutors, and photographing throughout the years. “She knows her values and she can do anything from A to Z. She doesn’t necessarily need to ask for help because she has it down to a science,” reflected Kelly Milo, Associate Director at the Center for Social Concern. “I think that’s a testament to the work that she’s put in for the past 16-plus years for Tutorial.”

Tutorial Project Now

The Tutorial Project has since become a lively space on campus, fueled by the energy of everyone involved. “The students that have been in Tutorial are very passionate about Tutorial,” said Young. “They just want to make sure it’s continued, and in a way that’s beneficial for the city, the city schools, and elementary students.”

Young not only created an environment where everyone was encouraged to build authentic relationships but also made space for Hopkins students to feel like they were part of a collective working towards a common goal. “The Student Directors do a lot with nurturing those relationships. They make sure people feel like they have that sense of belonging and that this is a safe place” said Young. Young encourages her Student Directors to take tutors out for boba and other snacks. This is not only to get to know one another but to explore Baltimore together.

Reflections from Young

Reflecting on her time overseeing Tutorial, Young is thankful to everyone who has been part of the program.

“To me, Tutorial is all about the bonds, the relationships, and the nurturing that can happen in this space.” – Young Song

The appreciation goes both ways, with many Hopkins students expressing their love for Tutorial and Young’s leadership. “I just want to say thank you for being such an amazing employer. You make coming to work every day so easy. I love that you care about all of your student workers, your orgs, and your tutors so much. You can tell that’s the way the Tutorial environment is,” said Ameerah Bello, a current student worker. “I’m going to miss you so much and I wish you the best in everything that’s to come.”

As she moves on to a new role, Young leaves Tutorial and the Center for Social Concern with sage words. “You need to know what’s important to you and then let all that other stuff go. There’s a pressure to know everything and have it all figured out. But honestly, you don’t need to because you can change what you want at any time,” concluded Young. “Just know what’s important to you as a person and stick with it. Don’t try to change to make other people happy or do what other people may think is good for you.”

The Center for Social Concern thanks Young for her grace, care, and dedication she has poured into the Tutorial Project and every student who has walked up those stairs in Levering Hall for the past 16 years.

We will miss you and thank you for everything you’ve done!