Tutors needed for incarcerated youth

Learn how to become a volunteer tutor for the young men incarcerated at the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles during an information session from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Kava Diem, 1 Illinois St. in St. Charles.

Literacy Volunteers of Illinois' Jump Start tutoring program is seeking men and women who are compassionate, flexible and nonjudgmental. Teaching experience is not needed and 12 hours of tutor training are provided to volunteers free.

Volunteer one to two hours a week, one-on-one in a safe and supervised environment. Volunteers must show proof of COVID vaccination.

Becoming a volunteer tutor can be a lengthy process, as a background check is required.

"Students who have the advantage of working with a tutor are more likely to achieve their GED or high school diploma and less likely to re-enter the system," said Melissa Auer, director of the Jump Start program.

The facility hosts approximately 50 young men, ages 14 to 20, involved in the juvenile justice system. Most are between 16 and 18 years old. Educational ability varies widely, with some youth struggling to learn basic reading and math skills and others working toward high school diplomas or GEDs.

For more information, contact Auer at melissa.auer@illinois.gov or visit lvillinois.org/jump-start.aspx.