T.O.U.C.Ch. Project Requirement

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON T.O.U.C.Ch. PROGRAM:
The T.O.U.C.Ch. program stands for Tutor Outreach Uniting Communities for Change. The program was established by a few creative and committed De Anza students whose mission it was to democratize the promise of education to under-served communities. Toward this end, T.O.U.C.Ch provides free English classes as well as individualized and group tutoring for adults and children. Together students with the T.O.U.C.Ch. program are working to build bridges between communities and TOUCCh lives through education.
OPTIONS FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECT WITH T.O.U.C.Ch:In total, students are required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of civic engagement with the T.O.U.C.Ch. program. To meet this requirement, students can choose from the following options:


OPTION 1--BE A TUTOR: The T.O.U.C.Ch. program currently offers tutorial services at two different sites, both in the Watsonville Area. You can choose to tutor school-age children at Calabazas elementary school or adults learning english as a second language. In this community, there is great need for both of these services.


At Calabazas elementary, you would be participating in the school's after school program which takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between the hours of 2:15-5pm. Depending on the availability of student tutors, a regular two-day tutoring schedule may be arranged with the after school program.


The adult education tutorial sessions take place on Sundays in Las Lomas. Students taking part in Sunday sessions will meet at the De Anza campus at 12:30pm and return to the campus at 4:30 pm. Usually, carpooling can be arranged for both tutoring options.


Students choosing the tutorial option will need to commit to:
• 1 Friday orientation (The first Tutor orientation takes place this Friday, April 7th from 2-3pm in the WRC.)
• Two tutorial sessions
• A group debriefing session to take place after 1st tutorial session
• student tutors should keep in touch with Scott for updates on the progress of the program.


OPTION 2--HELP TO ORGANIZE/BUILD THE PROGRAM:
Students who cannot commit to the tutorial schedule can fulfill their 8 hours of service by attending weekly 1/2 hour organizational meetings (Wednesdays from 12:30-1pm in the WRC) and volunteering their service in any one of the following areas of program development:
• Website research and development
• Curriculum development
• Program outreach and support
Students choosing this option must also attend a Friday orientation meeting. The first orientation meeting takes place this Friday, April 7th from 2-3pm in the WRC.


BOTTOM LINE: Students who cannot make the weekly Wednesday T.O.U.C.Ch. meeting can work something out with Scott. The program is in need of your help and participation and is willing to work with your schedule and this honors course as much as possible.


For more information about the T.O.U.C.Ch. program or about the upcoming Friday orientation, contact Scott Hallgren. His information is below:
Contact Person: Scott Hallgren
Phone: 408-799-1267
Email: scott.hallgren@gmail.com