Sept. 30, 2009 – College of DuPage recently received funding for the continued support of People Educating People, a project made possible by a $39,000 Adult Volunteer Literacy grant awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, using state funds designated for adult literacy.
PEP is an adult volunteer tutoring program that provides individualized instruction and tutoring in reading, math and ESL literacy. In FY2009, 81 specially-trained PEP volunteers provided services at 31 sites throughout District 502, with 420 students receiving a total of 7,566 hours of small-group and one-to-one instruction.
“The PEP program is measured by distinct parameters, including student gains in reading and math,” said Joan Morris, PEP volunteer coordinator. “In a recent survey of 316 learners, 99 percent reported satisfaction with the program. In this survey, tutors were cited for their ability to motivate, inspire, encourage and build confidence with patience and a positive attitude.”
In FY2010, the PEP program intends to increase the number of one-to-one math tutoring sessions to meet an increase in demand for this service. In addition, the program will provide in-service training for tutors on topics such as writing for ABE and pronunciation for ESL.
“Last year, the PEP program also successfully piloted conversation groups for beginning ESL students to increase oral fluency, and we plan to expand this aspect of the program this year,” Morris said.
The next two-day PEP volunteer training session is scheduled for consecutive Saturdays, Nov. 7 and 14. The deadline to apply is October 12. Volunteers who complete this training will begin tutoring spring semester 2010.
For more information, call Morris at (630) 942-3697.