Student volunteers at The Community Well.
Although the Issaquah and Sammamish public school systems provide free education to all, there are limits to providing the resources that some students need more than others.
Community Well, a recently formed student-led nonprofit organization, seeks to address this issue through peer tutoring and homework support, promoting educational equity in the process.
The organization's eponymous “well” aims to express its values. Water is essential to life. Education is essential to our community. The Community Well was established after the organization's founders recognized the socio-economic disparities within the community in hopes of assisting students in need of additional academic support.
“Students are matched one-on-one and study one night a week at the YWCA on the Issaquah Plateau, where homework help is provided for middle school and high school students,” said Cristina Jaramillo, president of the nonprofit board. Recently explained to 425. . “We do science experiments, math, story-telling games, art, and more with our young students. Recently, we had about eight volunteers and 30 students join us to help. And we're a community We're building out and making sure everyone has access to support outside of the classroom, which is a need.”
Jaramillo credits student organizers and volunteers with contributing to the organization's success, highlighting how their passion keeps the project going. Our mission has always been to provide a needed service, but we've also built our own community along the way.
“Many of the students who match for tutoring develop friendships outside of the tutoring sessions,” Jaramillo said. The nights of the week when we get together. ”
Students attending YMCA Night at The Community Well.
In addition to the programs offered to students, The Community Well offers several services to parents who want to better support their children through school. Whether it's through workshops or providing transportation, the organization understands that supporting parents is critical to supporting students and building educational connections.
Community Well currently offers programs throughout the school week and is considering offering summer programs as well.
“We're starting to feel like family. It's nice to know we have each other,” Jaramillo said.
Parents and students can contact The Community Well through the website.
