Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada - Homework Help

The thought of going back to school after summer used to make me anxious,” Jabeen says, “but this September feels as easy as ABC.

 

“I was constantly surrounded by exceptionally intelligent people and I felt that raising my hand in class to ask a question only made me look stupid,” says the 17-year-old Rogers Raising the Grade participant who is looking forward to Grade 12 this year. 

Raising the Grade was the game-changer for Jabeen and rain or shine, she arrived at St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club twice a week after school. 

“I joined the program to try to raise my marks in Grade 10 math and it helped me discover that I could do well. I didn’t think it was possible before.” 

Jabeen is one of many students doing better in school, thanks to one-on one tutoring in the Rogers Raising the Grade (RRTG) program. Currently offered by 36 Boys and Girls Clubs in 42 community locations across Canada, RRTG offers homework help, connections with mentors and tutors, and a chance for youth to explore their interests and post-secondary education options. Designed to help young people get their high school diploma, the program features tech centres offering access to computers, high-speed Internet, and a welcoming place to relax and study with peers. 

RRTG students are paired with mentors and meet at the Club after school at least twice a week to establish their personal goals for high school and beyond. Many RRTG mentors are enrolled in or are recent graduates of post-secondary institutions themselves. They help youth complete their homework and improve their marks to stay on track for graduation as they plan for their future beyond Grade 12. 

Students can get help with specific subjects, studying tips and time-management advice. Mentors help young people to raise their grades and gain the confidence to navigate their way through some of the educational, social and emotional challenges of adolescence.  

“I used to put off doing my homework because I wasn’t sure how to do it. After getting help from my mentor, I noticed I was putting in much more effort and in my second semester, I saw my marks go up to a place that I never thought they’d be. It’s crazy,” says Jabeen. 

Her older sister came across the program when she was looking online for a tutor. Her whole family has been delighted by all of the other opportunities Jabeen has been given since joining the program, like volunteering and meeting professionals from a variety of fields. 

“Not only have I raised my grades,” Jabeen says, “I’ve gained self-esteem, too. Everyone I’ve met through Rogers Raising the Grade has told me that I matter. Now, I believe them.”