Every student who enters the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) Adult Tutoring Program has a goal. Whether the goal is improving their English-speaking skills, passing the GED (General Educational Development) tests or seeking a better job, their objectives can often be better achieved with the help of a volunteer tutor.

The Chester County OIC Adult Tutoring Program currently has a need for volunteers who are willing to work with an adult student for a total of three hours per week. The meetings usually take place in two 90-minute sessions. A four-year college degree is required to tutor, but a teaching background is not needed.

Chester County OIC, a nonprofit organization serving all of Chester County, provides free adult basic literacy education and life skills programs that prepare individuals for employment and economic self-sufficiency. In operation since 1979, Chester County OIC helps more than 800 adults per year.

"Our program is based at the Chester County Library in Exton, with whom we have a long partnership," noted Debbie Rikess, Adult Tutoring Program coordinator.

She noted that because of the pandemic, most tutor pairs are working virtually right now via Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp and other platforms. As the weather turns warmer, she anticipates that some pairs will meet outdoors.

"We recently had three new tutors join our program. Cindy is working with Sofia, who is from Mexico. Her goal is to improve her English so that she can get a better job," noted Rikess. "Theresa is working with a young woman named Susan on earning her GED (diploma). Susan recently passed one of the four sections, and they are now working on the science unit."

The third new tutor is Kathy, who started working with Paula at the beginning of February. "Paula is from Brazil, where she worked as a pharmacist," Rikess said. "She would like to improve her English so that she can get her certification here as well as obtain citizenship."

"We are very grateful to have these wonderful volunteers in our program," Rikess added.

The Adult Tutoring Program tutor training is offered online by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Once the training is complete, volunteers are matched with a student of their choosing based on level, time and the student's goals. Tutors are given access to many free online resources so they can create a lesson plan.

In addition to receiving assistance with passing the GED tests, students are also preparing for the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) for those interested in nursing and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), which measures the English language ability of non-native speakers who want to enroll in English-speaking universities.

Prospective volunteer tutors, as well as students interested in enrolling in the program, are asked to contact Rikess at drikess@cc-oic.org or 610-344-4013. More information about the program is available at http://www.CCOIC.org.