Step Up Tutoring: Closing the Opportunity Gap Through Virtual, High-Impact Tutoring

Written By Becca Tankersley

There are 15 million low-income elementary and middle school students in the U.S. Out of those, 12 million lack proficiency in reading and math.

4th and 8th grade students are performing lower than pre-pandemic levels, and gaps between high- and low-achieving students are widening. These disparities disproportionately impact students furthest from opportunity.

Achieving foundational literacy and numeracy in the early grades is critical to success in later years. Students who are proficient in math and reading by 8th grade are three times as likely to earn a college degree as those who are not. (Source: CALDER and AIR, May 2024)

What is Step Up?
Step Up Tutoring is a fully virtual program providing one-on-one math and literacy support for 2nd–6th graders from underserved communities. Founded in 2020, Step Up has already delivered 185,000+ tutoring hours to 5,300+ students across 40+ school districts.

Why It Matters

  • 90% of students served are students of color

  • 94% of parents report being highly satisfied

  • Students who receive consistent tutoring show 4× the academic growth of their peers

Volunteer Experience

  • Flexible: just 2 hours per week, online, from anywhere

  • Comprehensive training and ongoing support provided

  • Average volunteer tutor stays engaged for 18 months

  • Tutors build strong, lasting mentor relationships with students

  • No previous experience necessary

Get Involved
Step Up is looking for dedicated volunteers (16 years or older) to tutor virtually this school year. It’s a powerful way to make a big impact! Join the over 4,000 tutors who have served our community.

👉 Learn more and sign up: www.stepuptutoring.org

Becca Tankersley
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