FAQ
How do I know if my child is eligible for free tutoring?
Your child’s school will send a letter home informing you of eligibility. This letter is likely to come in the beginning of the school year, but tutoring may begin anytime during the year.
What makes my child eligible for free tutoring?
The Hawaii State Department of Education determines student eligibility based on the school, family income, and a student’s need for help. Free tutoring is funded by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, and it is only offered at schools who have not yet met all of the requirements of the law. Tutoring is intended to support students who need assistance in school, but whose family incomes make it challenging to pay for extra help. Students who receive free or reduced-price lunch and are working to meet their grade level standards are likely to be eligible.
What are the goals of tutoring?
The main goal of College Connections tutoring is to create independent learners. We teach strategies that can be applied to future classes and schoolwork, so students do not become more dependent on their tutors. Of course, tutoring strives to help students improve their grades and test scores, but it’s ultimately about building confidence and enjoying learning.
When and where does tutoring take place?
Free tutoring will always after school hours, on your child’s school campus. Students will attend tutoring twice a week, for one hour sessions. Private tutoring will take place at a location that is convenient for you, your child, and our tutor. We often tutor at libraries or coffee shops, but for safety reasons, we do not tutor in private homes.
How long will my child receive free tutoring?
Each county allows a different number of tutoring sessions for students. The sessions are based on funding allocated to your child by the State Department of Education.
Oahu – 14 sessions
Maui County – 12 sessions
Hawaii Island – 13 sessions
Kauai – 19 sessions
Do tutors help with homework?
Yes. Students should bring their homework to tutoring, but our tutors will not always complete the homework with them. Since tutoring is meant to help students become independent learners, we encourage homework help rather than homework completion.
Who are College Connections tutors?
We only hire certified teachers for free after school tutoring. Private tutors include a range of educators, professionals, and scholars who are well-trained in their subject areas and have proven interest and talent for working with students.
GENERAL FAQs
Who does College Connections serve?
Our doors are open to all students in Hawaii, and we make every effort to work with students who seek our help. We also reach out to students who are first in their family to attend college or who are from traditionally underrepresented populations.
Where is College Connections?
Our office is located in Honolulu on Ward Avenue, but the heart and soul of College Connections is in our schools and communities. Almost all of our program activities are offered in schools—where our students spend most of their days, and where our educators are working to give students the best opportunities.
How is College Connections different?
All College Connections services are based on the personal connection between an adult and a child, a teacher and student, a mentor and youth. Because we believe this is one of the foundations of successful education and promising future, we place the highest importance on our one-on-one relationships.
Is College Connections affiliated with colleges?
We are most interested in helping students find a higher education opportunity that suits their passions, talents, and goals. We focus on helping students find schools that fit them, and that will help them succeed. We do work to strengthen relationships with college admissions representatives, both at home in Hawaii and on the mainland.
If College Connections is a nonprofit, why aren’t all services free?
We believe education is an investment a student makes in his or her future. We ask students and their families to pay a small amount for most educational services, but are committed to access and affordability for all.
What are the goals of College Connections?
College Connections envisions a Hawaii where all students have higher education opportunities, regardless of background or circumstances.
