Tutors inspire learners and ‘vice versa’
Currently, Rising Stars Volunteer Tutors, a supported ministry of the School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, provides more than 60 tutors for a dozen Milwaukee parochial and public schools. These volunteers positively influence the lives of more than 250 students each week. 
Many children face extreme disadvantages because families live at a level of poverty 34 percent higher than the national average.
In an article about Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) on March 27, 2011, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that: “MPS Schools hover at about 50 percent proficiency in reading at grades three through eight and at 40 percent proficiency at tenth grade.” and “The number of African-American students and those with disabilities who are proficient are steadily declining since 2003. As a result, national data ranks MPS third from the bottom of 18 urban districts and fourth from the bottom at eighth grade.”
In Catholic schools served by Rising Stars, the students’ needs are the same as those of MPS. In fact, many of the Catholic school students being tutored have transferred from public schools through the Choice Program. 
The Rising Stars Volunteer Tutors program is committed to partnering with teachers in Catholic and public schools to help children reach their grade level in reading and math.
Rising Stars tutors are dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people. Tutors support students in overcoming obstacles to learning and celebrate with them as they become successful learners.
One tutor said this about Rising Stars: “These children are our future and by being a positive role model and mentor, as well as by helping to build their self-esteem. I feel truly blessed to know I am walking in the shoes of the School Sisters of Notre Dame by helping to educate the less fortunate in our community.”
Rising Stars tutors respond to the original call of the SSND congregation’s foundresses – Mothers Theresa Gerhardinger and Caroline Friess – by promoting education for all, especially those who are at-risk and on the margins of society.
Where did you find encouragement for successful learning? Who inspired you and who do you inspire?
Click here to learn more about Rising Stars Volunteer Tutors.
If you’d like to become a tutor, please call 262-787-1018.
Adaptation of an article by Sylvia Hecht, SSND, Director of Rising Stars