Academics and College Prep

Bresee partners with schools and other youth-serving agencies to reduce educational disparities in our community.  Youth who receive academic assistance at Bresee are more likely to get better grades in school, and those who participate in our college prep programming greatly increase the likelihood that they will be, in many cases, the first people in their families to receive an academic degree.

Individualized Tutoring

Bresee provides language arts and math tutoring through the nationally recognized, state standards based HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) program.  Through age-appropriate workbooks, manipulatives, and other tools, HOSTS increases skills, self-confidence and school performance.  Bresee education coordinators develop individualized lesson plans for volunteer mentors, who typically tutor students for one hour a week. Tools are provided to increase parental involvement in their children’s educations as well.

Homework Assistance

Our Learning Center is nearly always packed after-school, full of young people seeking assistance with school projects, homework assignments and skills to overcome nagging academic hurdles. With the oversight of Bresee staff, volunteers power our efforts to meet their needs.

Educational Enrichment

These activities are supported by daily educational enrichment workshops. Staff and volunteers lead nine-week courses in chess, art, cooking and other topics that are offered cyclically throughout the year, and which innovatively address skills practiced in the classroom. 

College Prep & Scholarships

Bresee designates a corner of our Learning Center for students to quietly peruse college brochures and catalogs and obtain essential paperwork.  Financial aid and college application workshops, college fair transportation, and college tours are offered periodically.  Bresee scholarships from $500-$2500 are offered to outstanding youth participants.

Hours of operation

Individualized Tutoring:  By arrangement, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Homework Assistance: 3:30-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Educational Enrichment Workshops: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
College Prep:  College Corner open 3:30-6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; various college workshops and tours are offered seasonally.

For more information contact:
Seth Eklund
Director of Education & Career Development
(213) 387-2822 xt128
seklund@bresee.org