The Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up with Mesa County Valley School District 51 to launch the 500 Plan, an initiative to bring more tutors into local schools.
After initial training that was offered in September, the first day of tutoring began on Oct. 20.
The Grand Junction Forum, a committee of the Grand Junction Chamber, recognized a link between quality K-12 education and the local economy and quality of life. The forum conducted a study of the educational approaches in other countries and considered how that could affect an approach in the U.S.
The U.S. ranks 33rd in reading proficiency, 27th in math and 20th in science, with Finland or Korea heading each category.
“The key element here is that we have found when you look at education across the globe, time spent with students is extremely important,” Chamber of Commerce President Diane Schwenke said.
The forum then implemented a plan that would involve the community in an effort to improve the educational system.
“The goal is to have 500 tutors who volunteer one hour a week of their time to spend with these kids,” Schwenke said.
The plan started out with seven elementary schools within the Grand Valley. Seventy-three tutors have already joined the program.
Volunteer tutors are asked to commit to eight weeks, or one academic quarter, at a time, with a chance to recommit each quarter. A background check is required, as well as a two-hour training course on how to work with students. Reading and writing will be the primary focus. Tutors will have one-on-one time with students.
The success of the program hinges on the community making it a priority. Alpine Bank and Bank of Colorado have provided funding for the program.
“Volunteers from all walks of life are welcome,” Schwenke said. “We’d love to see CMU get involved.”
For more information on volunteering, visit www.gjchamber.org/500plan.asp.

cmfoster@mavs.coloradomesa.edu