CONTRIBUTED

Tutoring has been offered at SCC for almost 50 years.

Half a century ago, it was available as needed. That first semester, 22 students signed up to become tutors, and 132 of their peers assisted. In 1998, through a private grant, a permanent tutoring program was established.

These days, Kennedy Hall is the home of the tutoring center - and it's open to all students, in almost any subject matter. And thanks to the center's success, it will move to a new and larger area in Logan Hall. That space is currently under construction.

Coordinator Nancy Heilman actively recruits community volunteers willing to share their knowledge and desire to educate - in any field of study - a new generation.

"Due to the nature of our community, we have had nationally recognized scientists assist students in physics and chemistry, retired educators help with English, bilingual individuals tutor languages, the list goes on and on," Heilman said.

Over the past 13 years, more than 200 volunteers have helped students pass their courses and go on to graduate. Currently, 53 student tutors, five professionals, and 25 volunteers are helping more than 400 students improve their skills in math, English, business and science.

One of the best indicators of the effectiveness of the tutoring center is its "pass rate," according to Heilman. Since the center was created, 70 percent of the students who access the center's services passed their courses with a C or higher. That pass rate has contributed to increased student satisfaction overall - and to increased earning potential after graduation.

Another indicator is the low turnover rate of the tutors themselves. Very few volunteers or peer tutors leave the program," Heilman said.

"Not only are the students who are being tutored grateful for the additional help," said Heilman, "but also the tutors experience a great sense of gratification."

For example, one tutor, Phyllis Olson - a retired educator - has been a volunteer in the tutoring center for more than four years. In recent years, Olson tutored Tina Goins, a highly motivated culinary arts student. Olson worked with Goins for more than two years - and was privileged, she said, to see Goins become far more confident, both in her studies and in her own abilities.

Olson said she was impressed by Goins' eagerness to learn, by her determination, and by her genuine appreciation for the assistance she was receiving. She proudly attended Goins' graduation last May.

Anyone who would like to learn more about become a tutor can contact Heilman, the tutoring and volunteer coordinator, at (910) 246-4138 or heilmann@sandhills.edu.