BranchOut! Marks Successful End to 2024 FCPS Tutoring Program

For three weeks this July, BranchOut! mentors tutored at high schools throughout Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). They worked in partnership with the Credit Recovery Academy (CRA), the county's remedial program for high school students. FCPS serves about 183,000 students and is one of the largest public school systems in the country.

BranchOut! mentors worked in various classes, ranging from Social Studies to Geometry to Chemistry. They supplemented teacher instruction through one-on-one tutoring and assisted with lesson planning and grading. Their expertise in various subject areas enabled them to provide the necessary support to students who are looking to earn the necessary credit to graduate. 

The program positively impacted several CRA locations, benefiting over 120 students. One student commented, “[he] really helped me get better at math.” Another wrote, "[his tutoring] was helpful. Sometimes I would be stuck on a problem. But his explanations made the steps very clear."

In particular, mentors were valued for their ability to connect with students at a peer level. As one teacher noted, “Sometimes hearing the same thing from another person much closer to their age helps. Student aides can relate and speak the same ‘lingo’ as the students in the class.” 

As the program progressed, mentors had the chance to reflect on their experiences. Deven Hagen is a rising senior at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and worked at West Springfield High School this summer. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the program: “I have been able to build meaningful relationships with participants and aid them in their academic journey through learning about them as individuals.”

Henry Hung, a rising junior at Oakton High School, worked at Madison High School this summer. He highlighted the program’s impact on student engagement. He shared, “Many students were uncomfortable asking questions at first, but by the end of the week, most students were willing to ask for help, which is crucial in the learning process.”

The team is proud of all its mentors for the hard work and growth they demonstrated throughout the program. The team cannot wait to see what future iterations of the FCPS tutoring program will bring!

Apply through our website to join us and gain meaningful community service experience.