United Way of Anchorage and the Anchorage School District are leading a public-private partnership at Lake Otis, Airport Heights, and College Gate elementary schools and Wendler Middle School following a successful two-year pilot phase (2012-2014) at Lake Hood and Susitna elementary schools.

In its first year, 115 of 211 identified students were connected to supports – students are selected based on math scores, attendance and teacher recommendation. These students received tutoring and help with homework and study skills. They were also connected to afterschool activities, mentoring, transportation, and attendance coaching. In addition, whole-school events throughout the year focus on the importance of regular attendance and the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills.

In addition, family support and mentoring was provided to connect families with services, help develop a network for mutual support and teach effective strategies to support children’s academic success.

In the 2015-16 year, we are working to connect even more students with supports and to increase the number of students who attend both tutoring and homework club. We’ll also increase family outreach efforts and try to find additional ways to engage families.

Past and current partners in this work include Camp Fire, Boys & Girls Clubs, YWCA, YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Language Interpreter Center, School Business Partners and PTAs.  Key investors include Rasmuson Foundation, ConocoPhillips, and United Way of Anchorage.

We are currently in need of volunteers to tutor, mentor and help with homework and activities and to serve as positive role models.

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