LA County offers summer tutoring program for grades 1-6

Mikaela Garcia, 9, right, reads to Lily Garcia, 4, at the remodeled L.A. County Library in Norwalk, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

NORWALK — The county of Los Angeles Tuesday announced its new tutoring program for young learners in grades 1-6 to help them with reading and math at select libraries.

Supervisor Janice Hahn, who spearheaded the Summer Stars tutoring program, said it was developed in response to requests from parents and caregivers. The program will be offered at 33 libraries, including 11 in Hahn's 4th District, such as Bell, Bell Gardens, Clifton M. Brakensiek, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park, Leland R. Weaver, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, and Sorensen.

The program began last week, and according to Hahn's office, more than 1,500 interest forms have been submitted so far.

"Summer tutoring can help prevent kids from falling behind and can set them up for success in the new school year, but tutoring can be expensive and out of reach for many families," Hahn said in a statement. "This new tutoring program we are launching this summer at our L.A. County libraries is completely free and is designed to meet a need in our communities."

She added, "Our public libraries have always been important resources for families and young students, but this new program takes it to another level."

Participants in the Summer Stars tutoring program will select from two 4-week sessions in reading from June 18 through July 11 and math from July 16 to Aug. 8, with the option to complete both sessions. Participants will have a 30-minute tutoring appointment Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of each session during the 1:30-4:30 p.m. time block.

"We are immensely grateful for Supervisor Hahn's dedication and efforts in making in-person tutoring at our libraries a reality," L.A. County Library Director Skye Patrick said in a statement. "Her commitment to our children's education allows us to offer live, free in-person tutoring with credentialed tutors, helping students build essential skills for success."

Appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited.

Sign-up information for Summer Stars is available at LACountyLibrary.org/summer-stars.