6th June 2011 9:00
By Blue Tutors
A tutoring programme in Coshocton is facing closure after having its funding slashed because of budget cuts in the US. Reported on the Coshocton Tribune, the Tutoring Learning Contributing Programme (TLC) may end after providing free tuition to the residents of Coshocton County for over 21 years. Roughly 60% of the programme’s funding looks set to disappear after one of its financial supporters, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) announced that the funds are no longer available.
TLC uses student tutors from grades 7-12 to tutor struggling students in grades 1-4. The volunteer tutors are recommended by their school teacher, and tutor at sites located around the county. Obviously a major benefit is for the students receiving the tuition, but the organisers of TLC say that the tutors benefit greatly too, as the lessons develop their mentoring skills.
The tutors and site supervisors are paid a small amount for the work they do, but insist that they don’t do it for the money. However, with a 60% reduction in funding of roughly $28,000, it doesn’t appear as though the programme can continue without further help. TANF have expressed their disappointment at not being able to continue funding the tutoring scheme, and gave TLC notice to try and seek funding elsewhere.