The Athens Tutorial Program is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing academic assistance, improving learning skills and providing personal growth and cultural enrichment opportunities to our students. Since 1981 when ATP first opened its doors, more than 4,000 children in grades K-12 have been involved in our program. The children who come to us are not "problem" children, but children who for whatever reason, have missed some essential elements in their learning path.

THE ATHENS TUTORIAL PROGRAM IS REALLY ABOUT HOPE AND SUCCESS.

Our Students Say:

"I was in the fourth grade but I couldn't read. I started coming to the Tutorial Center and my tutors helped me. I began to read, I read signs on the street when riding the bus, I read book covers and cereal and toy boxes and most anything I could find."

"I am very glad I came to the Athens Tutorial Program because our motto is 'I Am Somebody,' so I am somebody. It has been like a star I have been trying to reach and I have finally reached it. The Athens Tutorial Program helps you get a jump-start in life. I was getting low C's and sometimes F's, but thanks to the Tutorial Program, I am now an honor roll student."

Even though our primary directive is to provide individual homework assistance to our students, The Athens Tutorial Program provides an environment conducive to the total learning experience including academic and personal achievements.

"You can get help reading hard books." "They have things I need for doing my school work that I don't have at home." "Sometimes they have people who live in other countries or who have traveled to other countries come and tell us about them." "It means a lot to me because my mom and dad are at work when I get out of school. Since I've been coming to the program, I don't have to wait at home alone anymore."

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Throughout the year, we conduct special programs which have included Drug Awareness and Prevention, Self-Esteem, "Use Your Brain, Critical Thinking," "Mr. and Miss Manners," "Color Me Gold, Recognizing Your Own Worth," and "Feeling Workshops" (to help students deal with powerful emotions). The Drama Club helps students gain self-confidence. The Athens Tutorial Law School introduces the students to various aspects of the law as it affects them, makes them aware of the consequences of breaking the law, provides practice in non-violent decision-making and teaches them about the court system with mock trials. We also offer field trips to expose the children to other aspects of culture and education. ATP recognizes the importance of parental involvement and encourages their participation in special programs and "Parenting Classes."

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

In 1981, Emmanuel Episcopal and First Presbyterian Churches funded our first location in the East Athens Community Center. In 1982, The Athens City Council appropriated Community Development funds. Since then, nine other learning centers have been opened and many more sponsors and supporters from the community have joined with us.

The University of Georgia's College of Education has been a long-term supporter, providing us with a graduate student each year as a volunteer recruiter and liaison. The Reading and Math Departments and many other schools on campus are involved with ATP in some capacity. Almost all religious faiths in Athens are represented as volunteers or supporters to some extent. Many clubs, businesses and organizations are counted among supporters of ATP. All schools in the district are represented by principals or teachers on the Advisory Board because they recognize the remarkable improvement of students who participate in the program.

RECOGNITIONS Through the years we've earned many awards, to list a few -- President Bush's 172 Point of Light, a commendation from Gov. Joe Frank Harris, the Jesse Jackson Community Service Award, the State Prevention Resource Award for Drug Prevention, Southeast Regional Public Housing Award, the IRS Spirit of Volunteers Award for Community Service.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM MEAN TO THE COMMUNITY?

It means a future bright with young adults earning high school and college diplomas and entering the work force instead of the welfare rolls. Our Graduates say:

"The Athens Tutorial Program means getting a better education and leading to college, and it also means sharing, caring and understanding all of my subjects. It means getting to know a lot of different people who come to tutor."

"When I first walked into the Athens Tutorial Program, I had F's. Now I get A's and B's. I would like to thank all the tutors who helped me and Mrs. Nunnally and Mrs. Archibald. I love the Athens Tutorial Program."

"The Athens Tutorial Program supported me morally as a young black man, and was a great asset to my education."

"You have given me the strength to keep going and striving for the best."

"I thought I wouldn't make it, but you have shown me there is hope."

"Thanks for being there for me and believing in me all of those years. Sometimes, if it hadn't been for you I don't think I would have made it. But by the Grace of God and your faith in my achievements, I'm making it."

"My tutors made me believe in myself and my abilities."

The Athens Tutorial Program

Ms. Barbara Thurmond-Archibald
Executive Director
P. O. Box 49
Athens, GA. 30603
Phone: 706-354-1653
tutorial@bellsouth.net