SOAR (Student Opportunities for After-School Resources) supplements the efforts of educators at Garden Hills Elementary School, a local public elementary school, to improve educational and social outcomes for bilingual children in grades 2-5. The after-school program currently serves approximately 45 children and operates three days per week throughout the school year.  Its primary purpose is to provide homework and reading help, along with enrichment activities, to children who are most in need of extra support to boost their academic interest and ability. The program strives for a ratio of one tutor per student. Each semester over 100 university students and other community members volunteer their time consistently at least one day each week to tutor children who attend the free after-school program. Some of the regular university tutors volunteer as a requirement for credit in a service-learning course. 

The public school teachers work closely with the SOAR program leaders to recommend children who would most benefit from the program and also provide support and suggestions to meet the individual needs of each child in the program. As a result of this collaborative approach, teachers report that their students are able to successfully complete their homework, increase their literacy and math skills, gain self-confidence, develop a positive attitude toward reading, advance their social skills, and improve their overall school performance. Tutors report that they gain personal satisfaction from serving the community as well as hands-on experience that improves their education and better prepares them for a wide variety of careers. Campus faculty and staff gain resources and support for service-learning courses.

What are teachers and volunteers saying about the SOAR program?

"This program has greatly benefited our students with their math, science, reading, and any homework they may have.  I have personally observed the [University of Illinois] students and they have been professional, encouraging and supportive in ensuring that our students advance in their studies. This one-to-one helps our students be successful in school but also helps with self-esteem and motivation. The SOAR program is valued and appreciated more than words can say."
- Champaign Unit #4 Reading Specialist

"I had four students in the program last year who made over a years worth of progress in Reading because of the support they received. I also had a student improve over 60% in her math test scores last year because she had such a great connection with her first semester tutor."
- Champaign Unit #4 Bilingual Teacher

"It's great to see a program that hooks up UI students with needs and aspirations of both families and schools in our local community. We're finding and building amazing talents in tutors and kids!" 
- Ann Bishop, GSLIS Professor/SOAR Program Founder

"Not only did I get to practice my Spanish in a real-life setting; I also got to interact in a meaningful way with the CU community. For the first time in my college career, I was truly able to take what I've learned and use it to help someone other than myself. I really connected with my students and am so glad I did."
- UI Student/SOAR Volunteer

"I volunteered for the SOAR program for 3 years and it made such an impact on me and my college experience. It helped me grow as a potential teacher and learn to work with a different demographic of students. Of all the organizations I participated in during my 4 years at U of I, this one sticks out the most and meant the most to me. Although some days were challenging, at the end of each semester I noticed a difference in the child I tutored. It felt great to see them succeeding and knowing you were a part of it. I really enjoyed making this connection to the Champaign community."
- UI Student/SOAR Volunteer