EDWARDSVILLE - For those who may be struggling with homework, help is just a phone call away thanks to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homework Hotline.
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In partnership with the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, and run through the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), the program has successfully assisted students and parents, with student tutors fielding nearly 1,350 calls since 2014.
Now, the Homework Hotline has expanded its services to offer face-to-face tutoring at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC). The enhanced initiative will allow SIUE student tutors to assist K-12 students in-person at the ESLC Monday through Thursday after school.
SIUE student tutors are also available by phone from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to offer help to area students grades 5-8. The free service can be accessed by calling 618-650-3072.
“The SIUE Homework Hotline is an educational asset to local schools, students and parents,” said Liza Cummings, program coordinator and assistant professor in the SEHHB Department of Teaching and Learning. “SIUE students whose area of expertise is mathematics staff the Hotline. In addition, a number of tutors are students majoring in education, engineering, business and biomedical science.”
“The Hotline was launched for students in the southwestern Illinois region,” she added. “But, we have received calls from other states, including Arizona, New York, Texas, Wisconsin and more.”
“Research shows the power of near-peer mentoring in helping engage middle and high school students in learning,” said ESLC Executive Director Jesse Dixon. “We see this expansion of the Homework Hotline as a win-win, because SIUE students get to learn more about the ESLC and build relationships with the children we serve. Meanwhile, our students benefit from the expertise, knowledge and community interest of college students.”
Existing ESLC grants will support the addition of 15 tutors who will assist students in two existing programs, including Project Success and Upward Bound.
“At the ESLC, tutors will work one-on-one with students from grades K-12,” Cummings explained. “While mathematics will continue to be a focus area, tutors will also lend assistance to these students in the areas of science and language arts.”
The extended services further underscore the University’s commitment to public service and the sharing of knowledge.
“Expanding the Homework Hotline to provide tutoring for ESLC students is an excellent opportunity to build a stronger partnership between the University and school-age children in the Center’s programs,” Dixon said. “We are continuously looking for opportunities to assist and inspire our students. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare students for higher education and successful careers.”
The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior prepares students in a wide range of fields including public health, exercise science, nutrition, instructional technology, psychology, speech-language pathology and audiology, educational administration, and teaching. Faculty members engage in leading-edge research, which enhances teaching and enriches the educational experience. The School supports the community through on-campus clinics, outreach to children and families, and a focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.
With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.
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