Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Sonya Johnson, Associate Director of Education Initiatives with United Way of Greater Nashville, who highlights their Raise Your Hand Tutoring program. Sonya explains that United Way of Greater Nashville serves as a connector of resources, helping people access education, income, and health resources through community collaboration. Sonya then details Raise Your Hand Tutoring, a free academic intervention program started in 2012 in Williamson County that now serves seven districts surrounding Davidson County. The program primarily helps first through fifth grade students, particularly focusing on third and fourth graders to address reading proficiency requirements. Sonya highlights that the program is state-approved as a pathway to promotion and operates before or after school in trusted school environments with transportation provided by regular bus routes.
Sonya discusses the importance of tutoring, particularly for students in third and fourth grades, emphasizing how it helps bridge the gap created by the COVID pandemic and supports students’ transition to “reading to learn.” She explains that the tutoring program focuses on English language arts and math, using smaller groups and an accelerated approach to ensure students understand concepts at their own pace. Sonya highlights the collaborative effort with school districts and notes that the program’s success relies on the dedication of teachers and the support of partners like Raise Your Hand.
Sonya explains the volunteer process, which involves an interview, training through 15-hour online modules from the state of Tennessee, and assignment to a teacher for either parallel teaching or rotation stations. She clarifies that while there is training involved, no experience is required, and volunteers work alongside staff to ensure student safety. The commitment is once a week for an hour over 10 weeks, totaling 10 hours.
Sonya shares that over 700 volunteers have signed up with Raise Your Hand over 14 years, with one recent success story of a freshman who is now returning as a sophomore volunteer because the program had previously made an impact on her as a student. Sonya emphasizes that the program creates a stigma-free environment where students feel celebrated and special, with participants receiving literacy kits and books as part of a reward system.
Jeremy and Sonya discuss ways the community can support United Way of Greater Nashville’s programs, particularly the Raise Your Hand Tutoring program. Sonya highlights volunteer opportunities, advocacy during state capital days, funding needs, and the importance of providing snacks for students, which helps improve attendance. She encourages interested individuals to visit the website at https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/ for more information on getting involved in various education programs.
Visit https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/ to learn more and get involved with Raise Your Hand Tutoring powered by United Way of Greater Nashville.
