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By Lavanya Kathirgamanathan
Over the past few years, Black-led tutoring programs have become pivotal forces in closing the education gap for Black youth. These tutoring programs are often rooted in communication, making a profound impact on the students’ lives as they foster academic excellence.
Black-led tutoring programs are designed to address challenges unique to Black students in the education system. These programs offer them a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation that often lacks in traditional educational school settings.
According to The National Centre for Education Statistics, Black students are more likely to attend under-resourced schools. This can lead to lower academic achievements and higher dropout rates within the system. Tutoring programs led by Black educators and mentors provide Black students with tailored support and more encouragement regardless of the barriers they face.
One such program is Harlem Children’s Zone. Harlem Children’s Zone, also known as HCZ, provides educational and social services to children and families who live in Harlem. HCZ has significantly helped students struggling with math and reading. A study conducted by Brookings Institution shows that students in this program have outperformed their peers in standardized tests, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program itself.
The impact of Black-led tutoring programs goes beyond academic achievement. These programs play an important role in boosting students’ self-esteem and sense of cultural pride. When students see educators and mentors that look like them, they may have more of a positive learning experience. These recognizable educators and mentors act as role models who motivate students to succeed. This is essential in combating the negative stereotypes, challenging the low expectations often placed on Black students, and building a community for them. Education is an important tool for empowerment. When you support and expand Black-led tutoring programs, we can ensure that every Black child has an opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Lavanya Kathirgamanathan is one of the Writers for this year’s publication at Black Voice. She’s a recent graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she studied Journalism and will further her education in Human Resources at George Brown College. Lavanya has experience writing for multiple publications and has her own food blog on social media. Lavanya’s main goal as a writer for the Black Voice publication is to showcase Black excellence within the community, and in the city of Toronto.