Established over 35 years ago, Chautauqua Striders continues to grow and change with the needs of children, youth, and their families in Chautauqua County. Over time, academic assistance has become the largest component of the organization.
In addition to offering tutoring programs at Jamestown public schools, there are also many community-based options and successful collaborations with a variety of agencies designed to enhance scholastic success for students from kindergarten through high school, and in some cases, beyond. Tutoring programs are available at Brocton, Chautauqua Lake, Panama, Ripley, Sherman, Silver Creek, and Westfield schools, as well as, Jamestown High School, Jefferson, Persell, and Washington middle schools, and Bush, Fletcher, Lincoln, Love, Ring, and Rogers elementary schools located within the Jamestown city limits. To find out the specifics of each program, call 488-2203 or visit www.chautauqua-striders.org for more detailed information.
Lighted Schoolhouse tutoring is located at Chautauqua Striders' main office and is primarily for high school students, at no cost to them. Open to all districts, adolescents in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to receive help with homework, complete projects, hone their study skills and get the extra help they need to navigate the New York State Regents requirements.
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One of Striders’ main goals is to help tutor students.
According to one mother whose son had been struggling with passing the global history test, she felt that without the assistance he received through Chautauqua Striders, he would never have been able to pass the exam. She went on to say what a boost this has been to his confidence and he is now ready for his next academic challenge. Tutors, experts in their fields and dedicated to student success, are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and again Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m. They provide the one-on-one assistance, study tips, and encouragement many students need in order to do their best.
In connection with the Lighted Schoolhouse, college-bound high school juniors and seniors are also able to take advantage of SAT prep classes for the May 5 exam. Beginning March 19, and continuing until May 2, (except for the two weeks of spring break, April 2-13), review begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m., each Monday and Wednesday evening. Interested parents and students can call 488-2203 or email pam@chautauqua-striders.org for more information and required registration.
The Lighted Schoolhouse tutors have a strong connection to both the YMCA Teen Center and Chautauqua Opportunities Safe House, providing a structured environment for study and an opportunity for individual growth. The YMCA Teen Center is open 3 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays for young people in eighth grade through age 19. Connected by a common doorway, students gathering in the Teen Center who have homework are encouraged to attend tutoring. Director, John Barber, works collaboratively with Chautauqua Striders to ensure there is a safe, structured, fun, and academically enriching place to go after the regular school day ends.
CARE (Community Academics Reaching Everyone) is specifically designed for younger students, grades K-8, and is held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Chautauqua Striders' main office. Usually, participants come for one-hour tutoring sessions between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. At this time, Jamestown, Bemus Point, Falconer, and Frewsburg schools are represented. A light snack is provided while two experienced and caring tutors make after school learning exciting and rewarding. There is no cost for the program, however, parents are asked to supply study materials or have their children bring homework.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Jamestown and Dunkirk also partner with Chautauqua Striders to make after school academic help available. In Jamestown, the club offers tutoring to all students, grades 7-12, Monday through Wednesday, 4 to 6 p.m. In Dunkirk, the hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Again, youth have the opportunity to relax and unwind after school and still get that little bit of extra direction and information needed for educational success. Students are asked to join the Boys & Girls Clubs, (scholarships are available), but once they are members, there are no additional tutoring costs.
Finally, Chautauqua Striders works together with the Eastside Family YMCA to include academic assistance as part of their after school programming. Its unique location has established Eastside as a growing community center for the Hispanic/Latino population in Jamestown. Elementary children are able to get academic support from Chautauqua Striders Monday through Thursday, 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Middle school students attend the 4:30 to 6 p.m. sessions. Bilingual tutors help those new to the area make the adjustment to academic expectations in New York state, while reinforcing skills and giving encouragement.
For more information on community tutoring programs in southern Chautauqua County, call 488-2203 and in the North County, call 363-2203 or log onto www.chautauqua-striders.org.
