Work Study

Our diverse community includes students from many cultures, over 30 different languages, and immigrants who just arrived in the United States. It’s a wonderful community to collaborate with—we learn from one another! Students who participate say: "I feel like I have a better knowledge of the surrounding community", and "I feel as America Reads tutors we become an integrated segment in which we are part of both USD and Linda Vista. It has created good links with the students, community and USD."

Seventy students each semester devote 10-12 hours per week as reading tutors or math tutors and become team-members with the teachers. Many students continue more than one year, and new students are recruited during the summer when applications for the positions come from Financial Aid. Students find the "program raises awareness of the importance of literacy." They "see first hand that children progress in their knowledge and develop into ultimately more confident students."

Six student site coordinators who are quarter-time AmeriCorps members provide the administrative support needed: they match students to teachers, troubleshoot, check time cards, facilitate training, and keep communication open between the schools and the University staff.

Teachers in the schools keep the tutors on track as they work with individual students or small groups. Tutors describe teachers as awesome; supportive; understanding; affirming; easy to work with; well organized; and dedicated to student learning! The administrators and staff at each of the schools we work with support and encourage us. Faculty from the University of San Diego prepare excellent workshops each semester.

The University supports a van for America Reads & Counts and other students to get to and from Linda Vista sites. Student drivers (paid by Federal Work Study) provide the service from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Community Service-Learning staff supervise the drivers and fill in if needed.

If you are interested in tutoring please contact, John Loggins, Program Coordinator, at the Center for Community Service-Learning (619) 260-4798 or email jloggins@sandiego.edu

Van Transportation

• The van will be parked near the east entrance to Maher Hall.  This is also the area where you will be picked up and dropped off.  The van is a small dark green mini-van that seats 6 passengers. It has the number CSL-3 below the side view mirror and USD logo on the outside of the door.

• The van driver carries a sign-in sheet at all times. When boarding the van you will write down the site you are going to and the time you wish to come back to USD.

• The van will leave on the top of the hour and at the half-hour (ex. 1:00 and 1:30). Make sure that you give yourself enough time to allow for a punctual arrival at your site and enough time to return to campus. Just remember to be patient!

• If there is no van driver in the van or if there is no van in sight, wait no longer than 5 minutes then go to Maher Hall 218, to check-in and wait inside the office.

• If the weather is extremely cold, hot, or if it is raining come to Maher Hall 218 immediately to check-in, do not wait for the van outside.

• The van is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• If you have any questions, please come to the Center for Community Service-Learning in Maher Hall 218, (619) 260-4798, jrivera@sandiego.edu, website: http://www.sandiego.edu/csl/work_study

"I know that these kids are smart, they just need some extra help to explain things in a different way. It makes me feel good to know I helped someone understand something which they need in order to succeed in life." - Zach Manuel