After-School Tutoring
MASA-MexEd operates its after-school tutoring program on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 6 PM to 8 PM out of our community center in Mott Haven, which is located in the basement of St. Pius V Church, 420 East 145th Street, Bronx, New York 10454 (between Willis and Brook). (Click here to see a map.)
When we are not offering special classes (as described below), tutors typically work one-on-one or with small groups of students grouped by grade, facilitating the completion of homework and acquisition of key study and academic skills. Once homework is complete, students read for at least 20 minutes and then can engage in educational or art activities.
Special Classes & Opportunities
Throughout the year, MASA-MexEd offeres a range of special classes to our students and their parents.
Art Classes
Through FreeArts NYC, we offer weekly summer art classes to students and parents alike.
ESL Classes
When volunteer staffing permits, we offer ESL courses to parents of students in our after-school program, using both curriculum developed in-house and New York City's well-regarded We Are New York program.
Science Classes
In Summer 2011, we offered a weekly science course to students, called "Sonrie con las Ciencias" and sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive. Led by volunteer Irene Izaguirre-Lopez, the curriculum not only included weekly lessons for students of all ages, but also featured weekend field trips to science museums throughout New York City. The course culminated with a much-anticipated visit from the BioBus, a traveling science laboratory. The BioBus will return to MASA-MexEd in Spring 2012, and the science course will continue each summer.
Test Preparation and Weekend One-on-One Tutoring
In Spring 2011, parents approached tutors requesting additional assistance preparing their students for yearly state-administered tests. Since then, we have offered test preparation services on weekends to interested families. In addition, MASA-MexEd connects the parents of struggling students with volunteers with weekend availablity. On weekends, these volunteers tutor students one-on-one, typically targeting the students' weaker academic subjets.
Census Outreach
Throughout 2010, MASA-MexEd hosted workshops and events to help increase awareness of the Census throughout New York City's Mexican community.
Early Childhood
The New York public school system can be scary - for both new students and their parents. In order to help prepare toddlers for the world of preschool and kindergarten, MASA-MexEd runs a weekly toddler playgroup. Through simple, age appropriate learning experiences conducted in English and social interactions with their peers, small children gain the foundations needed to succeed in their first years of school. Research shows that lifelong success in school starts with a solid early childhood learning experience. The playgroup is run every Tuesday. Children aged 2 to 5 years are welcome. Parents are welcome to stay with their child and are encouraged to do so.
College Counseling
MASA-MexEd offers free college counseling by appointment to any interested person, whether currently in high school or a high school graduate. Jessica Thompson-Falla, a dedicated MASA-MexEd volunteer and certified school counselor, provides this service. Jessica is knowledgeable about all aspects of the college application process, including financial aid and considerations for undocumented students. You can e-mail Jessica with questions at jbthompsonfalla@gmail.com. In addition, if you would like to arrange an appointment, please use the below form: