By Kathy Chouteau
On the heels of a successful Back to School Bookbag Giveaway last Saturday at Unity Park, EMK Mentors is partnering with Rich City Rides again to roll out a free Afterschool Tutoring Program for Richmond students.
EMK Mentors is currently accepting registrations for Richmond students in Kindergarten through 12th grades for its upcoming Afterschool Tutoring Program, which will be offered free of charge Mondays through Fridays from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at Rich City Rides, 1500C Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Students are expected to participate in the program daily; snacks and beverages will be provided.
As part of the program, students will not only receive homework help from two tutors provided by Purpose & Pride, they’ll also participate in enrichment and bike programs that will include learning how to ride a bike properly and also how to engineer one from scratch.
While space is limited for the Afterschool Tutoring Program, EMK Mentors’ Marques Arnold said they will take “as many students as we can.” To register for the program, email the organization at [email protected] or call 510-680-8459. An orientation will be held for registered students Sat., Sept. 24 from 3-5 p.m. at Unity Park, 1605 Ohio Plaza in Richmond. Food will be served and a jumper will be on hand for some fun.
EMK Mentors and Rich City Rides have a successful track record of winning team-ups, as evidenced by the enthusiastic showing at last weekend’s Back to School Bookbag Giveaway. On Saturday, the organizations distributed 100 backpacks to school-age children, stuffed with notebooks, binders, pencils, rulers, scissors, crayons and glue sticks. Nachos and Icees were also distributed to 300 people during the event, while Rich City Rides gave away 13 bikes for kids of all ages.
A host of volunteers helped power Saturday’s event, including teachers from Verde and Chavez Elementary Schools; Kennedy High School students and football coaches; DeAnza High School football coaches; Matthew Felder, who helped with security; and West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) Board of Education President and Trustee for Area 2 Otheree Christian.
Arnold said he wanted to “give a shout out” to Kennedy High School Principal Jarod Scott for having their students volunteer at the event.
Connect with EMK Mentors here and learn more about Rich City Rides here.
