The Bishop Scholars Program is a grant-based initiative where local schools partner with Ohio Wesleyan University students to provide tutoring for children in subjects where they may struggle. In addition to offering one-on-one or small group support, the program also strengthens the connection between students and the community.
Bishop Scholars is a program set up to help the surrounding schools and, in turn, help OWU students connect with the community around them. Launched in 2019, the program is led by Kerri Robe, who has been running it from the start
Before Tutors begin working with students, they undergo an onboarding process with background checks and interviews. Once cleared, they get placed at a school and can work with students in subjects such as math and reading for 30 to 45 minutes one to two times a week.
Robe explained what distinguished Bishop Scholars from other similar programs:
"Unlike other programs across the state, Bishop Scholars is open to students with any major. Several other programs only utilize Education majors. What also sets us apart from other programs is that I [the director] can be in person at tutoring sessions, providing both support and mentoring to tutors.”
The program serves students in grades one through five. Tutors can also participate in special events like family nights, allowing them to interact with students outside of the classroom and give parents a chance to meet the tutors who work with their children each week.
One of Robe’s favorite aspects of Bishop Scholars is its ability to bring together students from different backgrounds.
“I appreciate that the program accepts students with various majors, which enhances the skill set brought forward for tutoring. It is very rewarding to witness peer-tutor relationships develop, in addition to the relationships tutors develop with the students they tutor. Watching our K-12 students make accomplishments and grow academically is particularly exciting.”
Bishop Scholars offers more than just academic support. The relationships formed between tutors and students can have a lasting impact, as tutors become an additional source of encouragement in the students' lives, helping them succeed.
“My hope is that Bishop Scholars will continue for years to come, with the potential of expansion to additional K-12 schools. The contributions and impact OWU students have on local K -12 students is multi-faceted; our partner schools are so appreciative of the program and the commitment of our tutors,” said Robe.
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