-A WSB reader from the West Seattle Unitarian Universalists asked us if we’d mind mentioning that the WSUU congregation is looking for a music director. Full posting is on their site; or send an e-mail inquiry here.

-The school year may be almost over, but learning doesn’t stop when the last June bell rings. The Youth Tutoring Program needs volunteers for its summer reading program, right here in West Seattle. We heard about it from a WSB reader who says she’s been volunteering for YTP and loves it; she adds, “The long-term effects of this impact our neighborhoods and communities as a whole, as well as each individual child.” Click to read more about YTP and how you can help:

Subject: Local kids need your help!

Who we are: The Youth Tutoring Program (YTP) is an educational enrichment program serving at-risk children living in five low-income public housing communities throughout Seattle. For over 15 years, YTP has empowered youth to succeed in school and in life. YTP is partnered with the Seattle Housing Authority, and is administered by Catholic Community Services. YTP is a non-religious program.

Our students: Staff and volunteer tutors provide academic help, friendship and guidance to over 500 students every year. The students represent a wide range of ethnicities and cultures. 98% are children of color and 75% come from families where English is a second language. Many students don’t have anyone at home with the academic or language proficiency to help them with their schoolwork in the evenings, and they are all at risk for being exposed to drugs, violence and crime. YTP students all attend the centers voluntarily. One student remarked, “I am always excited to come to tutoring and learn. It means people care about me, and they help me.”

How we help our kids: The tutoring centers provide a safe, positive, and stimulating environment for students to explore learning and experience academic success. All of the centers are open weekday evenings, and there are qualified teachers on staff at every site. Students work on homework assignments, reading and skill building activities in language arts and math. YTP’s skill-building program is based off of the Seattle Public Schools’ standards-based program, and YTP teachers maintain contact with the students’ schoolteachers. Students are also encouraged to participate in computer learning activities, educational clubs and drug and violence prevention activities at the centers.

Our success: In YTP’s annual survey (May 2006), 97% of students and 98% of parents said that participation in the program has helped improve or maintain grades and schoolwork. Furthermore, 94% of the students reported improvements in math, 95% reported improvements in homework, and 87% reported improvements in reading.

How you can help: Volunteers are the backbone and the heart of the Youth Tutoring Program. Tutors bring an array of skills and interests to the program. Although many have never tutored before, they are all motivated by their love of children and their desire to make a difference in their communities. Tutors work with one or two students at a time, and they meet with the same students every week. By providing individual attention and a stable and consistent presence, they have the opportunity to develop strong bonds with their students. All volunteers go through a screening and application process and are required to attend a two-hour orientation. Additional training materials are available at the centers, and volunteers are encouraged to attend quarterly tutor training meetings. Volunteers are expected to contribute two hours a week for at least six months. One tutor remarked: “This is an incredibly rewarding way to make a contribution to my community. The kids are appreciative and eager to learn. It always makes me smile!”

Come join us!
We are currently accepting applications for our Summer Reading Program!

For a link to our Volunteer Application visit www.ytpseattle.org or contact Erica Ellis by phone at 206-328-5659 or by email at ericae@ccsww.org