School on Wheels, Inc.: Tutoring Homeless Children Since 1993
January 26, 2011 Leave a comment
Agnes Stevens was astounded by the hundreds of thousands of homeless children in the US that do not attend school. So in 1993, she started School on Wheels to teach homeless kids in Santa Monica.
On top of just simply educating the children, School on Wheels encourages kids to stay in school and keep up their grades along with instilling in them the value of a good education. Teaching kids from kindergarten to 12th grade, School on wheels looks to shrink the gaps in homeless children’s education and offer the highest education possible within reach including: one-on-one tutoring weekly, school supplies, a toll free number where students can keep in touch with their tutors, school entrance assistance, help in locating and maintaining academic records, and guidance with education.
Homeless Children Statistics
Over 292,000 children experience homelessness each year and over 2,200,000 of the children living below the poverty line in California, 13%are homeless. Families with young children account for over 40% of the homeless population.
In Los Angeles, the number of homeless people is higher than any other US urban area. 35,000 homeless children and adolescents are enrolled in Los Angeles County Schools, and of that, 12,500 are enrolled in LAUSD.
Education is generally one of the first things to be cut in terms of necessities for homeless children. School on Wheels looks to give a sense of self-worth and self-confidence by giving children an invaluable education.
How You Can Help School on Wheels
To help to School on Wheels, you can volunteer through being a tutor or a tutor coordinator, and you can donate.
Becoming a tutor requires no special background. Tutors are offered a special training course. All you have to do is fill out an application. As a tutor coordinator, you would lead a group of tutors. It comes with a little bit more responsibility.
You can also donate to Schools on Wheels. $170 will tutor a child for a year and $50 gets a child a backpack with school supplies. To donate to School on Wheels, click here. You can also donate from the Student Wish List.
