Colgate University’s High School Tutors program is making a significant impact by providing one-on-one tutoring to students at Hamilton Central School, with the recent continued expansion of services to Sherburne-Earlville Middle School. The program pairs Colgate student volunteers with sixth to 12th graders who need academic support in specific subject areas.
The program was initially focused on Hamilton Central School but recently began extending its reach to Sherburne-Earlville Middle School after recognizing a growing need for academic assistance. Program leaders hope this expansion will allow tutors to connect with even more students and provide a wider community with the resources they need to succeed.
Junior Jeff Arigo, one of the leaders of the Colgate High School Tutors program, reflected on his experience tutoring high school students on the subject of chemistry and how it has reshaped his perspective.
“When I took chemistry in high school, I had a completely different experience. The students I work with now face challenges I never had to think about; they’re navigating this subject in an environment where resources are much more limited,” Arigo said.
The program’s expansion into Sherburne-Earlville Middle School aims to develop a structured system that supports middle schoolers before they transition to high school, offering targeted help in math, science and English. Leaders of the program are optimistic that this initiative will create a lasting positive impact on students’ academic trajectories.
Senior Sohee Kim, another leader of Colgate High School Tutors, reflected on the program’s dual impact on both the tutor and the student.
“It’s a mutually beneficial experience,” Kim said. “The tutee receives personalized help on their academics and also gains insight into college life, either through the interactions with the tutor or by visiting campus, since most tutoring sessions take place there. Meanwhile, tutors develop teaching skills and leadership. I think it fosters a good learning environment for both parties.”
Kim acknowledged that the club’s growth hasn’t come without challenges.
“Recruitment has been tricky. Since the club relies on equal participation from both high school students and Colgate tutors, maintaining that balance has been difficult. But, we’ve grown little by little throughout the year by adjusting our outreach and recruitment strategies,” Kim said.“Right now, we have the highest number of tutoring pairs we’ve seen in the past two years.”
Junior Jessica Fathers, a club member, also emphasized the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by students in under-resourced districts.
“As an aspiring educator, I think it’s critical that all students have access to extra academic support, especially in this post-COVID moment where we see a lot of students who have fallen behind and may not receive help at home,” Fathers said. “Bringing together Colgate students who are willing to meet these challenges has been equally rewarding.”
