In 1968, members of Grace Church and Grace Church School in the East Village joined together to solve a problem. Just a few blocks away in the Lower East Side, many students were living in poverty and failing to thrive in under-performing public schools. Their concerned neighbors saw an opportunity-use available classroom space at Grace Church School on Saturdays and during the summer to provide a high quality tutoring program for struggling elementary school students, and equip them with the skills needed for future success.