Free virtual tutoring offered to low-income families in South LA via Southeast Community Foundation

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- For many students, online classes can be especially challenging. While some parents can afford to hire tutors for their kids, it's not an option for low-income families. One-on-one virtual learning is offered for free to families in Southeast Los Angeles, and it's all made possible by the non-profit Southeast Community Foundation.

"You don't want your son or daughter or children to regress during the summer when they're getting ready to go into a new grade, especially with what we're dealing with today," said Eddie Tafoya, CEO of the Southeast Community Foundation.
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Before COVID-19, the nonprofit said it would tutor students at no cost in a classroom setting while still enrolled in their own schools. Maricelia Carmona says online tutoring has helped her 8-year old daughter to become a better reader.

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"You not only see a difference in the children learning, you see a difference in their confidence. Reading boosts their confidence," said Carmona.

Her 12-year old son has also benefited.

"He is above grade level, and they do challenge him which is the best part," said Carmona.
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Students take part in two virtual one-on-one sessions each week. One hour includes reading, writing, spelling, language; another hour involves math instruction and development.



'You're going after these kids who are at-risk that don't have the means to be able to hire a tutor that maybe is $60-75 an hour." said Tafoya.

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Children from low-income families also face challenges when it comes to online learning. According to Los Angeles Unified School District, the weekly online participation rate for low-income middle school students was 20% less than those who were not low income. For high school students, the difference is 10%.

"It is very difficult. Especially with distance learning a lot of families only have one computer and they have two, three kids so it's hard to schedule students," said Sonia Rangel DeLeon, substitute teacher and tutor.
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The Southeast Community Foundation is hoping to help even more students in need.

"If I could get a million people to send me a dollar it could make a difference," said Tafoya.

For more information, visit www.secfoundation.org.

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