GCSM Community Education Program
Mission Statement
The GCSM Community Education Program provides access to free educational opportunities for community members by connecting them with a committed team of local volunteers. Services provided include 1-1 long-term tutoring for 5th-12th graders and drop-in educational sessions for New Mainer youth and youth experiencing homelessness, as well as opportunities to engage with learning at the Gateway Hubs in Portland and Lewiston.
Drop-In Education Sessions
Drop-In Mission Statement:
In preparation for success in the school system, The GCSM Community Education Program provides Newly Arrived children and homeless youth with free educational sessions, materials, and the opportunity for engagement with fellow local students, teachers, and community members.
Program Details:
At this time these sessions are on pause and will resume at a new location.
Long-term Tutoring
Long-Term Tutoring Mission Statement:
Long-term tutoring provides support and advocacy to 5th-12th grade learners enrolled in school. This program reduces barriers to learning and academic success by providing free tutoring sessions in accessible community locations.
Program Details:
Through long-term tutoring, Gateway staff pair learners with volunteer tutors whose skills and experience match the learners’ needs. This program encourages volunteer tutors and learners to work together consistently over a long period of time to build the learners’ skills and achieve their long-term academic goals. The tutoring can be at the Gateway Hubs (located in Portland and Lewiston) or online.
We have three cohorts throughout the year which serve 10 learners per cohort:
1st cohort: September-December
2nd cohort: January-May
3rd cohort: June-September
Thanks to an overwhelming response from the community, we are not accepting new learner referrals at this time. We will reopen the referral form when spots are available. If you would like to stay up to date on Gateway’s programming and how you can support this work, click below to subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
Education Opportunities in the Hubs
Gateway Community Services Maine seeks to use our hubs as a space for community members to have access to learning and connections.
COVID-19 Protocols
We are very excited that learners and volunteers can now meet in person but with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure these meetings are safe for everyone. All volunteers who meet with learners in person are required to be vaccinated.
Masks are encouraged but not required. Thank you for helping us keep our program participants safe and healthy!