GREENVILLE – On Monday, after weeks of preparation, Empowering Darke County Youth began its third year of after school tutoring, its second at Greenville Elementary and Intermediate Schools.

Preparation began almost immediately after summer tutoring at Edison State Community College had wrapped up. Empowering supervisors and Edison students worked with 42 students during June and July, primarily in the areas of math and reading comprehension, seeing major growth in most of them.

One student who had struggled all year in math “got it” this summer. When everyone else was ready for a break, he was ready for more math.

“Having several experienced tutors involved in preparing for this fall – plus more than 40 Edison State students ready to help – was the difference this year,” Program Coordinator Bob Robinson said. “We’ve had two years to learn what works and what doesn’t work … and thanks to those who are supporting us, we are prepared for the increase we knew was coming.”

No more waiting list was the major goal for 2018-19.

Empowering’s initial enrollment in 2017 was 59 students. That was the most the program could effectively work with. Within a few weeks there was a waiting list of 32 students. This year the after school program already has enrolled 79 students and has procedures in place to work with more if needed.

“Will we meet the ‘no waiting list’ goal in the long term? I don’t know,” Robinson said. “We know there are struggling students not in our program; whether or not they ask for help remains to be seen. If they do, we’ll do our best to help them.”

Robinson praised the teachers who work with the students each day.

“They care about their kids and do a tremendous job. I know … I’m a sub and I see it in their students. Last year I was actually able to substitute for a little over two weeks. I was worn out. Teachers have their charges for nine months. Many are offering to help with materials and lesson plans.

“It’s a team effort … we follow their lead and the kids get the benefit.”

On behalf of the kids, the Empowering Board owes a debt of thanks to the Darke County United Way and Greenville Eagles for major support, Greenville City Schools for the use of its facility, Edison State for the use of its Darke County Campus as its home base, Darke County’s Edison State students and the dozens of individuals, organizations and businesses who have been supporting its programs. Without this united effort there would be no programs.

For more information on how to help, email [email protected] or send a message on Empowering Darke County Youth Facebook.