Library Foundation of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

800 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Homework Helpers

This grant provides critical support for the Library's Homework Helper Program. The program supports youth, grades K-8, with free after-school and summer help with homework, and literacy support with a caring adult. The Library's goal is to have a Homework Helper in 26 locations across the 41 branch system (or 65% of locations), with a focus on those branches in underserved neighborhoods.

Over the years, the program has grown from 10 locations during the school year only, to the year-round model of today. During the school year, the program assists students with homework help and skill-building coaching on any subject, and during the summer they extend learning and mentoring to those in need of extra support. As of right now, the Library has Homework Helpers in 16 locations: Avondale, Bond Hill, Cheviot, College Hill, Delhi Township, Forest Park, Groesbeck, Harrison, North Central, Norwood, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Price Hill, Reading, St. Bernard, West End and Westwood.

This is the second year the Library has worked to retain staff over the summer. The Library continues to fine-tune metrics for students served during the summer months and those who are connecting with a Homework Helper during the school year, but not in the traditional homework way. During the past summer, the Homework Helper at the Oakley Branch provided STEM Camp Days throughout June and July. Most of these camp-like programs maxed out at 10-15 kids to ensure individualized attention, and nearly all programs were well-attended and had waiting lists. Below is an example of an engineering Camp Day activity.

Marble Run (for children entering first through second grade):
Children drew a picture of a gadget to do a simple task and then explained how it would work. The book Rosie Rever, Engineer, which contains all sorts of gadgets made out of household items, was read. The marble run pictures were shown and the children were asked to create one. Some chose to work alone while others worked in a group. The objective of the marble run was to have a marble pass through at least 3 tubes taped to the wall and land in a basket. Tubes were toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls. They had to make a plan for their marble run and hang it on the wall. Children tried to follow their plan but as true engineers, they had to reengineer their creations to achieve success. The children really enjoyed this.

Even with the change to a year-round employment option and increasing the starting wage for the Helper position, turnover continues to happen (this may be inherent with a 12-hour-a-week, part-time position). As in years past, staff turnover does contribute to lower participation numbers for the program. However, with turnover also comes new connections and even energy to the communities the Library serves. For example, a newer helper at the Pleasant Ridge Branch is Priyan. Students were initially slow to seek homework help, as is always the case with the new school year and new Helpers. Priyan took the initiative to introduce himself to students using the Library after school and connected with them through brief discussions about Roblox. He demonstrated flexibility when approached by a toddler who asked Priyan to read a picture book to her. This welcoming approach is paying off and now Priyan helps several students each week, including families who are visiting the Library expressly to work with Priyan. Recently, A caregiver observed Priyan working with students and was so impressed with his professionalism, communication, and knowledge that she started bringing her grandchildren in to work with him.

The grant from the Charles H. Dater Foundation helps to pay the salaries for the Helper positions and provides supplies for them to use in their locations (e.g., a laptop or tablet, board games, and other supplies). During the last calendar year, this program provided direct homework support to 5,136 youth, however, thousands more interacted with the Helpers by playing games, one-on-one reading activities (like Priyan and the toddler), and working with them during summer programs (like the example at the Oakley Branch). While homework is the focus of the program, the positive relationship that instills learning and connectivity with a caring adult is incredibly important to long-term individual student success and outcomes. Thank you to the Charles H. Dater Foundation for helping the Library make this positive impact every day to so many in our community.


Website: http://www.foundation.cincinnatilibrary.org/
Amount: $75,000
Date: July 2023