Help a Reader Reach Their Full Potential

The Whittier Area Literacy Council (WALC), a program of the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier (BGCW), provides free one-on-one tutoring in basic literacy to kids.

Literacy rates in Whittier are falling behind — and every child left behind today becomes an adult who struggles tomorrow. The Whittier Area Literacy Council of the Boys & Girls Club of Whittier exists to close that gap. Through free, one-on-one tutoring, we connect volunteers who can help with the kids who need it most, giving struggling readers the individualized support to catch up, keep up, and reach their full potential.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• No teaching experience needed — just a passion for helping others
• Full training and support provided
• Flexible scheduling
• Make a difference in a child's life

WALC provides year-round literacy tutoring for children who are two or more years behind in reading skills. Students qualify for the program through an initial assessment, which helps determine their needs in three key areas:

• Word Reading – Strengthening decoding and recognition skills
• Sentence Comprehension – Improving reading fluency and understanding
• Spelling – Enhancing written communication

Tutors work one-on-one with a member at the WALC Center, twice a week for one hour per session, with days and times chosen by the tutor. Depending on the member's needs, tutors help with reading, writing, and speaking skills.

With support from the program coordinator, tutors build their own lesson plans — fun, engaging, and tailored to close each student's specific learning gaps. All materials and resources are provided at the center, and tutors may also join optional workshops to learn new tutoring skills.

Beyond academics, tutors become role models — helping students build not just literacy, but the confidence and self-belief to see themselves as capable readers. Annual evaluations consistently show that tutoring has a strong, positive impact on members' achievement, confidence, and enthusiasm for learning.

Tutor Requirements:

• Commit to two hours per week for at least one year (shorter commitments may be available).
• Choose to tutor children on 1-1 basis.
• Pass a background check and provide TB test results.