Learn Links

Mission

LearnLinks’ mission is to strengthen children academically and emotionally by providing tutoring and mentoring, therapeutic art groups and other educational support services that increase children’s connection to school and their community.

Principles & Goals

LearnLinks, an after-school tutoring and mentoring program, addresses the special educational needs of children residing in affordable housing throughout the Portland and David Douglas School District. LearnLinks' prime objective is to provide low-income children the extra help they need to stay in school and succeed there, which is their best chance for escaping a future of continued poverty and homelessness and to grow into healthy and self-sufficient adults.

Program Overview

LearnLinks' goals are:

• to improve the academic performance of low income children;
• to enhance emotional and social well-being; and
• to promote school involvement and self-sufficiency among low incomes families. 

LearnLinks Core Values:

• Provide a caring community that is committed to meaningful learning.
• Recognize the talents and gifts of every community member.
• Work together to encourage youth and assist in establishing their sense of responsibility.
• Help youth meet their full potential in a safe environment.
  
  

LearnLinks takes a holistic approach to building academic strength and involvement. Combining educational support with the services of an art therapist, the program works to meet both the educational and psychosocial needs of children and families.

LearnLinks promotes academic success by creating a highly supportive learning environment for children. Staff and volunteer tutors and mentors provide students with two to four hours of critical one-on-one attention per week. They assist with homework, reinforce basic skills such as reading, writing and math. In addition to receiving academic help, our kids benefit greatly from having caring adult companionship and positive role models. This is particularly important as research has shown that low-income parents, under great economic and emotional stress, may be emotionally less available and supportive of their children than they would be under normal circumstances.

We structure our study sessions to encourage the student's sense of involvement and ownership over his or her education. At the beginning of each session the student sets a learning goal for the day and/or week for himself. The tutor may offer guidance to ensure that these are realistic and appropriate. A goal may be as simple as memorizing three multiplication facts, or as involved as collecting information for a research paper.

Along with learning one-on-one, LearnLinks students participate in educational group activities aimed at promoting teamwork and social skills, as well as providing opportunities for hands-on learning. Our curriculum is very broad, encompassing lessons in art and literature, cultural diversity, science and environmental studies. Students have written their own plays, planted and monitored the growth of plants, studied and observed animal behavior and habitats. The children especially enjoy our educational field trips and other enrichment activities, including hikes, camping trips and attending cultural events. 

Finally, our program works with parents to increase their involvement in their children's education.  Family learning activities—math games, literacy-promotion, expressive arts, activities for building social skills—make for fun and engaging opportunities for parents and children to spend time together thinking and learning.

Structured after-school programming provides a safe space for students to work on building developmental competencies and nourishes academic efficacy. LearnLinks currently operates programs in four affordable housing complexes in Southwest and outer Southeast Portland. Thus far our staff, aided by more than 40 volunteers, have served over 120 children. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutor - Volunteer tutors assist with homework help, support supplementary literacy or math skill building activities, and guide youth through enrichment activities.
Commitment: 2hrs a week for at least 10 weeks.

Creativity Coach: Help youth learn to creatively visualize possible solutions to problems. Provide support and positive role modeling as students participate in therapeutic art group led by a certified art therapist.
Commitment: 2hrs a week for at least 10 weeks.

Nutrition Guide: Provide nutrition counseling and prepare a healthy snack as you help students plan and organize a monthly calendar of nutritious after school snacks.
Commitment: 2 hrs a month. Ongoing.

Learning Portfolio Coordinator: Design student learning portfolios. Portfolios foster self awareness, generate curiosity, and showcase a student’s ability and potential. This is also a great project for youth age 11 and older to get involved and share their passions with other youth.
Commitment: Group project scheduled 3 times a year. Date TBA.

Artists: Design fun, joyful awards, bulletin board displays, party themes, and various other program related materials. Volunteer’s talents creating imaginative visual materials will help make youth and volunteers experience a bit brighter.
Commitment: Ongoing, as needed. Virtual volunteering.

In-Kind Resource Coordinator: Help generate donations for our program. Ongoing needs include-school supplies, new shoes, coats, hats, blankets, food, and small prizes.
Commitment: Varies, ongoing.

Community Builders: Grab a group of friends and help plan fun and exciting evening activities for families. Help children learn to identify, plan, and organize solutions to youth-identified problems in their community.
Commitment: 1time coordination of a weekend project. Project replicated quarterly.

Social coordinator: Plan and organize opportunities for volunteers to socialize. Opportunities can be as simple as meeting up for a movie, participating in group outings, or planning a meal. Emphasis is placed on generating a sense of community and fostering appreciation and support.

If you are interested in one or more of these volunteer opportunities, call Tonya at 503-721-1752 or via email at tonyap@ywca-pdx.org.