Now in 8th grade, she has been part of our program since its inception. Initially shy, she blossomed into a confident speaker at the Education Summit.
When she first joined our program three years ago, she was a quiet and reserved 5th grader, hesitant to participate in group discussions. With English not being the primary language spoken at home, she often struggled to express herself and lacked confidence in conversations.
With the support of dedicated AmeriCorps members, she found a safe space to learn and grow. Through one-on-one tutoring, structured reading activities, and social-emotional learning exercises, she gradually built the skills and confidence to speak up. Our program encouraged her to join discussions, read aloud during tutoring sessions, and even mentor younger students—small but significant steps toward finding her voice.
Now in 8th grade, she has transformed into a poised and articulate young leader. Her biggest milestone came when she spoke in front of a virtual audience at the Sewa Education Summit in October 2024, sharing how after-school tutoring shaped her academic and personal growth. Watching her speak with conviction was a testament to the power of mentorship, encouragement, and the right learning environment.
Her journey is just one example of how the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Tutoring Program empowers students beyond academics, helping them find their voice and the confidence to use it.
From Summer Camper to Community Speaker: A Student’s Journey
A 6th-grade boy who joined the Sewa summer camp in 2024 became a dedicated participant and later a featured speaker at the Sewa Gala.
When the boy, a rising 6th grader, first joined our Sewa AmeriCorps Atlanta Summer Camp in 2024, he was simply looking for a fun and engaging place to learn and make new friends. What he found was much more—a community that nurtured his talents, built his confidence, and empowered him to share his voice.
Throughout the summer, the boy became a regular, eagerly participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities, yoga, and games. With encouragement from AmeriCorps members, he stepped out of his comfort zone, shared his thoughts in discussions, and even led small group activities.
His journey took an inspiring turn when he was invited to speak at the Sewa Gala in December 2024, a prestigious event celebrating service and community impact. Standing before an audience of donors, community leaders, and families, he spoke about how the tutoring program and summer camp shaped his confidence, enhanced his academic skills, and gave him a sense of belonging.
From a curious summer camper to a poised public speaker, his transformation is a testament to the power of mentorship, encouragement, and a supportive learning environment. His story exemplifies how the Sewa AmeriCorps Afterschool Program goes beyond tutoring—it nurtures future leaders.
