Volunteers needed for free student tutoring

Eden Prairie Schools is seeking volunteer tutors for its free Eagle Homework Help and Tutoring Program to assist K-12 students who need additional academic support.

The first session of the 2024-25 school year will take place Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Central Middle School (CMS) and the program will run until May.

Olivia Antilla, outreach and engagement supervisor for Eden Prairie Schools Community Education, said anyone interested in becoming a tutor should fill out a tutor inventory form as soon as possible before the first session.

However, she said the district accepts tutor applications throughout the school year to meet growing demand. In 2022-23, just over 100 students utilized the program, and last year, in 2023-24, more than 155 students used it.

Tutors who can help students with math and science are highly requested, but tutors who can help with reading at all levels are also greatly needed, Antilla said.

How to get tutoring

All Eden Prairie Schools students in grades K-12 are welcome to access the Eagle Homework Help and Tutoring program. Students identified for Targeted Services, are at risk of failing a class, are Multilingual Learner/English Learner (EL) students, and/or have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be prioritized in receiving tutoring time. 

Sessions, which take place in CMS’s 800 wing, will start Oct. 10 and run through May. They take place from 6 to 8 p.m., but students must arrive by 7:30 p.m. to receive help. The length of tutoring sessions will vary depending on tutor availability. 

Although there is no cost and students don’t need to make advance appointments, registration in the program is required before students can receive tutoring.

To participate, students must fill out a Student Sign-up Form, which asks for the student’s information, including full name, email, school ID, grade and school, parent/guardians’ information, and what subjects the student needs homework help or tutoring in. The link to the form can be provided by a student’s teacher/EL teacher, Cultural Liaison, or by emailing Antilla at olivia_antilla@edenpr.k12.mn.us.

Additional information about Eden Prairie Schools Community Education’s other support programs can be found on the district’s community resources web page.