The Community Well Wants to Make Education More Equitable | Lifestyle
Students volunteer with The Community Well.
The public school systems in Isaac and Sammamish provide free education for all, but they cannot go so far as to provide the resources some students need more than others.
Society okaya recently founded, student-run nonprofit, is looking to address this issue — and advance educational equity in the process — through peer tutoring and homework support.
The “well” that bears the organization’s name seeks to represent its values. Water is necessary for living. Education is essential to society. After the organization’s founders identified social and economic disparities in the community, The Community Well was created in hopes of helping students who need additional academic assistance.
“Students are matched one-on-one, and they also do one night a week at the YWCA of Issaquah Heights, where they provide homework help for middle and high school students,” Cristina Jaramillo, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, explained to 425 recently. . “We do science experiments, math, reading games, and art with the younger students. Recently, we had about eight volunteers and 30 students come in for support. We work to build community and make sure everyone has support outside of the classroom, which is essential.”
Jaramillo credits student organizers and volunteers with the organization’s success, highlighting how their passion keeps the project going. The mission has always been to provide needed service, but we’ve ended up building a unique community along the way as well.
“Many of the students (who) are suitable for tutoring have developed friendships outside of their tutoring sessions,” Jaramillo said. “And for those of us who volunteer at the Well, and those who come to the Well for programming, we all look forward to the weeknight when we get together.” ”
Students at a Community Well YMCA night.
On top of the programs offered to students, The Community Well offers many services to parents and guardians looking to better support their children through academics. Whether it’s through workshops or providing transportation, the organization recognizes that helping parents is crucial to helping students and building educational connections.
Community Well currently offers programs throughout the school week and is looking to offer summer programs as well.
“We’re starting to feel like a family, and it’s nice to know we have each other,” Jaramillo said.
Parents and students can connect with The Community Well through website.
