Lakeland STARS
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the program called Lakeland STARS?
- What is a typical day in the Lakeland STARS program?
- How much time will Lakeland STARS take?
- Can I tutor for just a few sessions?
- What do I do as a tutor?
- Do I need to be an expert in a subject in order to be a tutor?
- How does this program relate to College Park Scholars?
- What if I can't make it to a session?
- Can I get credit for tutoring with Lakeland STARS?
- Are there leadership opportunities for Lakeland STARS tutors?
- How do I get to Paint Branch Elementary School when the sessions take place there?
- Is there a limit to the number of semesters I can tutor with STARS?
- Lakeland STARS doesn't work with my schedule this semester. How else can I get involved in service opportunities with children?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the program called Lakeland STARS?
"Lakeland" refers to the name of the community that is served. Each child in the program is referred to as a STAR (Students Taking Active Responsibility).
What is a typical day in the Lakeland STARS program?
On days that sessions are at the University, tutors meet in the South lobby of Centreville Hall at 3:30 p.m. and begin to set up for the session. Once the children arrive, they work on homework for about 1 hour and then do an enrichment activity for about 1 hour. Children leave campus between 5:45 and 6:00 p.m.
On days that the sessions are at the University, tutors meet at the driveway between Chestertown and Bel Air Halls at 3:30. The shuttle takes them to the elementary school by 4:00. They meet up with their STARS and do homework for about 1 hour. The children leave around 5:00 and the tutors stay and do a reflection session for 30-45 minutes.
How much time will Lakeland STARS take?
You should be prepared to commit the full 2.5 hours to STARS every week. There are 10-12 sessions of STARS each semester. New tutors are required to attend a one time 1 hour Orientation session.
Can I tutor for just a few sessions?
No. The consistency of your help is important to the child you tutor and key to the program's success. The child you tutor is counting on you to be there every week. Before you submit your application, you should take time to consider how STARS will fit in with your academic and personal obligations. If you suspect you would miss multiple sessions due to your other obligations, you should hold onto your application and submit it in a later semester when you are confident you can make the commitment each week.
What do I do as a tutor?
Being involved as a tutor in the Lakeland STARS Program means much more than just helping a child complete his or her homework. You will help a child to be academically successful, grow in his or her ability to relate to others positively, and to help him or her see college as real possibility.
Do I need to be an expert in a subject in order to be a tutor?
No. The children are in elementary school and get homework in a variety of topics. You made it through elementary school, so you are well prepared to help the children with their homework.
How does this program relate to College Park Scholars?
This program is also designed to be a rich and challenging learning experience for the college students who participate in it. Embedded in the mission of College Park Scholars is the importance of providing experiences in which you, the college student, have a real impact on the world. In addition, the learning process should be one that promotes creativity, persistence, responsibility, care and respect for individual differences and multiple perspectives.
What if I can't make it to a session?
Reliable attendance is important, but emergencies and illnesses happen. As soon as you know you won't be able to make it to a session, you should contact Tabetha. 24 hours notice is appreciated whenever possible.
Can I get credit for tutoring with Lakeland STARS?
Lakeland STARS is not a class, and Tabetha does not award credit for it. However, some students have participated in STARS in order to satisfy service-learning/experiential-learning requirements.
Are there leadership opportunities for Lakeland STARS tutors?
Yes. Tutors with at least one semester of experience in the program are invited to consider joining the STARS leadership team in one of the following positions: Communications and Logistics, Activities Planning/Academic Enrichment and Tutor Recruitment and Relations.
How do I get to Paint Branch Elementary School when the sessions take place there?
The City of College Park provides a shuttle for the tutors on these days. Tutors may drive themselves to the school if they have their own vehicles.
Is there a limit to the number of semesters I can tutor with STARS?
No. Tutors in good standing are welcome to tutor with STARS whenever their schedules permit.
Lakeland STARS doesn't work with my schedule this semester. How else can I get involved in service opportunities with children?
Community Service-Learning (CSL) within the Office of Campus Programs is a great resource. It is conveniently located at 0110 Stamp Student Union (just a few steps from the Chevy Chase Bank). CSL maintains comprehensive lists of community service opportunities with children and other populations. Call 4CARE (ext. 42273), stop by their office, or check out their handouts on-line.
Lakeland STARS Coordinator:
Tabetha R.H. Mwita
Coordinator for Community Involvement
College Park Scholars
1125 Cumberland Hall
301.314.9013 (x49013)
thohneke@umd.edu
