The mission of the Lafayette School Mentoring Project (LSMP) is to serve every referred child at the Lafayette school in West Oakland in order to improve the student's academic performance, self-esteem and attendance. LSMP achieves this by offering one-on-one tutoring and enrichment classes in a safe and nurturing environment.

Description:
By volunteering, you can be part of the solution, one that includes patience, motivation, commitment, and expert support. Together, we can help students achieve the academic results they deserve and succeed beyond their time as a student. Make a difference in one child?s life!

Tutors meet once a week for an hour-and-a-half session. LSMP offers something that many schools cannot: individual attention for an extended period of time on a consistent basis. This process works in two important ways: 1) to help students complete their homework, clarify instructions, and strengthen specific skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, and 2) to provide warmth, understanding, and compassion needed for children to develop the self-esteem and confidence that they need for their career as a student and beyond.

History:
LSMP was founded in 1997 by Joan and Howard Poulter. The couple responded to the need for academic improvement in West Oakland Schools and wanted to create a program to strive for excellence. The project is funded by the West Oakland Children's Fund through support from the Tide's Center, located in the Presidio of San Francisco.

Contact person: Jessica Bilsky, Project Director, (510) 444-7285, (email)

Address:

1700 Market Street Oakland, CA 94607 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.lafayetteschoolmentoringproject.com

Directions:

Lafayette School is right off of highway 980 in Oakland. Take the 18th Street Exit. The school is one block north, on the corner of 18th and Market.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 12th Street/ Downtown Oakland BART,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5-10 min