High-Impact Tutoring: Strengthening Skills, Building Connections, and Creating Purpose

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High-Impact Tutoring: Strengthening Skills, Building Connections, and Creating Purpose

Widener University's High Impact Tutoring program is making a meaningful impact by connecting its students with elementary school children in the Chester Upland School District to strengthen math skills and build confidence. Recognized and funded by a grant from the Partnership for Student Success Hub Community Collaboration Challenge, with support from the Leon Lowenstein Foundation , this program fosters mentorship and academic growth, benefiting both the young learners and their Widener tutors.

Through this initiative, Widener students gain valuable hands-on experience, developing tutoring and leadership skills while supporting local children in a critical subject area.

"This recognition highlights the importance of a program that not only enhances learning outcomes for Chester students but also equips our Widener tutors with the skills to create lasting, positive change in the community," said Associate Professor Marina Barnett, assistant provost for civic engagement.

Widener tutors receive ongoing training and professional development to ensure they can provide effective academic support, while also gaining real-world experience that strengthens their own educational journey.
Amy Urena-Gonzalez '27, a digital marketing major, was looking for an on-campus job when she found the tutoring opportunity. Having been a tutor in high school and growing up around her grandmother, who was a teacher, helped spark her interest to learn more and join the group.

Student tutors are working with fourth graders at Edgmont Scholars Academy in Chester, assisting with math and reading. The program started in fall with 12 tutors and has grown to more than 30 tutors this spring.

"Fourth grade is a critical turning point-it builds the foundation for advanced problem-solving and academic confidence. When students master these skills, they're not just improving in math and reading; they're gaining the tools to succeed in school and beyond," Barnett said. "Our tutors build meaningful, mentoring relationships with the children they work with, creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment. These connections not only lead to academic growth but also help boost the confidence of both the students and the tutors. As children feel supported and valued, they become more engaged in their learning, while tutors gain a deeper sense of purpose and leadership skills, reinforcing the transformative power of high-impact tutoring."

Widener tutors come from a variety of academic disciplines and receive specialized training in instructional strategies and child engagement through a program facilitated by Arizona State University. This opportunity is made possible through Widener's membership in the Partnership for Student Success, ensuring tutors are well-equipped to support young learners effectively.

Urena-Gonzalez currently works with one student three times per week to help her with reading.

One of the interactive games that Urena-Gonzalez made for her student

"We're reading short stories, and she has trouble blending words and syllables, so I started creating some games and activities to help her," Urena-Gonzalez said. "At first she was really shy, but by the second day she was so happy to see me!"

Before beginning their tutoring roles, Widener students complete several weeks of paid training and undergo a background check. Through this experience, they also have the opportunity to earn a tutoring microcredential, which enhances their resumes and opens doors to additional tutoring opportunities beyond the program-allowing them to set their own rates and expand their professional development.

Urena-Gonzalez completed the microcredential training and is looking forward to continuing and expanding her tutoring work while also gaining valuable skills that can help her with her future goals.

"I love working with kids," she shared. "When you're working with kids you need to be creative to keep their attention and I think that flexibility and creativity are all strategies that connect [to digital marketing]."

Barnett shared that the university aims to expand the program by partnering with additional after-school programs in Chester, such as the Boys & Girls Club. The goal is to create more opportunities for Widener students-both work-study eligible and noneligible-who are eager to support local youth while gaining valuable tutoring experience.