Nov_Dec 2020

United Way Quad Cities to unite students
with tutors for educational success.
by Kevin Smith Communications Manager, United Way
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Quad
Cities students need more help than ever before to succeed
in school – and life. To assist families and students with
additional supports, United Way Quad Cities has teamed
up with local colleges to provide tutoring services, called
QC Tutor Connection, to area K-12 students.
“Parents are struggling with keeping their kids are
on track and need some assistance with home-based
learning,” said Rene Gellerman president and CEO of United
Way Quad Cities. “We’re being proactive in reimagining
how we ensure all our kids succeed in school. Education
has been and will continue to be the best investment in the
future of our region – and best pathway out of poverty. QC
Tutor Connection provides a bridge for families looking for
learning support and college students who are seeking work
experience to earn spending money and want to make a
difference.”
The QC Tutor Connection is a web-based platform
designed to connect families seeking tutoring services
for their children with tutors interested in providing these
services. “We have college students who have lost work or
internship opportunities due to the impact of COVID-19,”
noted Sandy Cassady, St. Ambrose University vice president
of strategic initiatives and United Way Quad Cities board
member. “The Quad Cities has top-quality college students
who care deeply about our community and people. At every
one of local our higher-ed institutions, you will find smart
8 November/December 2020 I QC Family Focus
and driven change agents and problem solvers. Together,
through the QC Tutor Connection, they will provide Quad
Cities K-12 students the support they need to maximize
their learning and ensure a strong talent pipeline is being
developed. This is a perfect fit.”
Parents and guardians of students in Scott and
Rock Island counties who want to take advantage of this
program can visit www.QCTutorConnection.org to learn
more.
HOW IT WORKS
The platform allows parents to review profiles and
find an available tutor specializing in school subjects where
their student needs help. Once a parent/guardian finds a
tutor who best matches their needs and fits their schedule,
they can email the tutor and meet virtually.
Families and tutors will negotiate all details – such
as hourly rates and the location and scheduling of tutor
sessions – between themselves. For families who cannot
afford the tutor’s fee, some limited financial assistance is
available. Parents and guardians who wish to learn more
about financial assistance should contact Alex Kolker at
akolker@unitedwayqc.org to learn more.
MORE TUTORS ARE NEEDED
As Quad Cities schools switch to fully remote
learning models, more tutors are needed to assist students
struggling to meet their academic goals. Current college
students, graduates and retired teachers are invited to