Education

NC Education Corps' program to help students struggling during COVID-19

Learning opportunities that were lost for children during the pandemic as well as people looking for work; - They are two of COVID-19's side effects that we still face in our state.

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By
Rick Armstrong
, WRAL photojournalist
RALEIGH, N.C. — Learning opportunities that were lost for children during the pandemic as well as people looking for work – They are two of COVID-19’s side effects that we still face in our state.

A new federally funded program is helping both of those groups succeed, and the deadline to apply is quickly approaching.

Reading is fundamental for learning and early literacy is about more than knowing your ABCs. It can be an indicator of a student’s future.

"And if you’re not a proficient reader by the time you are in the third grade, then it is really hard for you to overcome obstacles and see really great outcomes for high school graduation rates as well as potential earning levels and even graduation from college," said Shanitah Young, director of education in Chapel Hill-Durham schools.

But virtual classrooms, limited one-on-one instruction and distractions from at-home learning have left some children struggling. Turning that around is the mission of the North Carolina Education Corps.

John-Paul Smith, executive director of NC Education Corps said, "We are trying to support students in the wake of COVID-19 and we’re trying to close opportunity gaps that have been out there for years and years."

Smith says the program partners with 22 school districts to bring part time tutors into schools with the greatest needs. Tutors will work one-on-one or in small groups with students in kindergarten through 3rd grade, all taking place during the school day,

"So that means that students don’t have to worry about coming in early or leaving late in order to get access to the instruction and support that they need," said Young.

Along with helping elementary students, NC Education Corps can also help college or grad students looking for part-time work. Retired teachers or those interested in helping children are urged to apply–and the Corps will give you everything you need to know before stepping in a school.

"North Carolina Education Corps will educate you, train you on those skills that are going to really make you have an impact for students," said Young.

The pay varies by school district, up to $25 an hour, for a maximum of 25 hours per week.

If you’re interested –make up your mind by Tuesday Aug. 3. That’s the deadline for submitting an application. For more information, check out nceducationcorps.org.

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