9 months ago
"Lawyers for Learning" is a self-funded program that started in Rochester and came to Buffalo ten years ago.
100 lawyers, judges and others in the legal community volunteer one hour a week to help students at School 18 in Buffalo with subjects they struggle with.
"One of the most striking things that's happened, at least that's what the teachers have told us, is that the attendance goes up dramatically for a student that has a tutor," said "Lawyers for Learning" President Matthew Garvey.
The program has found that one-on-one individualized attention pays in dividends.
"Because of them I'm passing all my classes," said Sixth Grader Nathaniel Cole.
"I wasn't so good at Science and now I passed the Science test," said Fourth Grader Nadira Mohaammed.
To these children, these lawyers aren't just tutors but become mentors and friends as well.
"You can talk to your tutor a lot and you can express your feelings to your tutor," said Fifth Grader Janay Brooks.
"When we make these matches, there's something about it, where you develop lifelong friendships," said Garvey.
Fourth Grader Nadira Mohaammed has been in the program for three years and wants to become a lawyer. She hopes to come back one day and tutor kids too.
"I really like my lawyer and if I could be a lawyer like them I'm sure everyone would appreciate me too," said Mohaammed.
If you are interested in tutoring a child you can call 716-852-5875. The program recruits volunteers in June.
