The Need for Learn United
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools online, it didn’t just disrupt lessons—it created a massive educational crisis. According to a 2021 National Assessment of Educational Progress report, nearly 50% of students in grades 4 and 8 experienced learning loss due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Additionally, a 2022 study by McKinsey & Company found that students in the U.S. experienced an average learning loss of 5 to 7 months compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In the midst of this educational crisis, United Way of Greater Nashua saw an opportunity to make a difference. Thus, the Learn United Tutoring Program was born, offering hope and support to students in need. As Sara Ceaser, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement at UWGN, reflected in March 2024, “We saw firsthand how the pandemic created significant academic setbacks for many students. Learn United was designed to bridge that gap and provide the support that students needed to get back on track.”
Since its launch in November 2020, the program has provided over 1,500 hours of free tutoring to students in grades K-12. This initiative aims to ensure that every student in the Greater Nashua area has access to the academic support they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status. According to a 2022 report by the National Tutoring Association, students who receive regular tutoring can see an average academic improvement of 30% in their grades and test scores.
The program quickly garnered interest from students and teachers alike, highlighting the urgent need for accessible educational resources. As of June 2024, Learn United is serving approximately 50 students with the help of nearly 60 dedicated tutors and monitors, each providing individualized support tailored to meet the unique needs of their students.
How the Program Works
The Learn United program is always seeking new volunteer tutors and session monitors to help meet the demand for educational support in the Greater Nashua area. Since its inception, Learn United has seen a 200% increase in the number of students served and a 150% increase in the number of volunteers. In March 2024, Rachel Caliguiri, the program assistant, shared, “Our growth over the past few years has been incredible. We’ve gone from a small team with a handful of volunteers to a robust network of nearly 60 tutors and monitors. It’s a testament to the community’s commitment to helping our students succeed.”
Sara Ceaser, Director of Volunteer and Community Engagement at UWGN, initially managed the program primarily on her own with the assistance of a few volunteers. As the demand grew, she added dedicated program assistant Rachel Caliguiri to the team.
Rachel, who started as an intern in January 2021 and became a part-time employee in March of that year, has been instrumental in finding times, locations, and tutors that are the right fit for each student. Rachel grew up in the Greater Nashua area and utilized the support of similar tutoring programs through her school and local outreach programs, which inspired her to join Learn United.
Rachel explains: “I was a Girl’s Inc. girl, so I’m always super glad to be able to work with them and have tutoring there. It was so beneficial to get one-on-one support through Girl’s Inc. and my school.”
The program accommodates both remote and in-person meetings, available on different days and times, including weekends, and at varying frequencies. Sessions are held at a variety of locations around the area, including the YMCA of Greater Nashua, Girls Inc., and the 21st Century Extended Day Program in Nashua Public Schools. The program does not require volunteers to have teaching experience, just an understanding of the subject(s) at the skill level their assigned student needs help with. Tutors and monitors must be 15 years or older and pass a background check.
Success Stories from Tutors and Students
Tutors in the program come from diverse backgrounds and life stages. For instance, Judy, a recent retiree who worked in hospice care, now helps students with their academic needs. Judy found that incorporating games like hangman and jeopardy into her sessions helped build a strong bond with her student, who now looks forward to their “100% Miss Judy time.”
Judy shares, “I’m now playing jeopardy with him. If he reaches a specific amount of points, he gets a bag of purple Doritos and does a happy dance.” Her unique methods not only keep students engaged but also build their confidence.
Another tutor, Mei, a senior in high school, began working with the program in 2020 and specializes in tutoring students from immigrant families who are developing English language skills. Mei loves tutoring because she has “always loved explaining and teaching topics” and finds that kids are “fun [and] excited to learn.”
Mei reflects on her experience: “Post COVID, kids need one-on-one attention that they can’t get in schools… it makes them feel like their learning and skill development is important.” Mei’s experience underscores the findings of a 2023 study from the Brookings Institution, which reported that students who received personalized tutoring during the pandemic showed a 10% improvement in math and reading scores compared to those who did not.
Emily, a full-time worker, joined the program in 2020 to support students struggling with schoolwork and isolation during the pandemic. She helps students of various ages and specializes in writing for high school students due to her MBA in Journalism. Emily values the opportunity to pay it forward, recalling her own struggles with algebra and how a free tutor made a significant impact on her life.
Emily notes, “A lot of it is learning approaches for when they don’t know something, like how to figure things out.” She appreciates the moments when she sees “something that really daunted the student made clear.”
“Seeing a student go from feeling defeated to having those ‘aha’ moments is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me of the difference a little support can make.”
The Impact and Future of Learn United
While the tutoring program is where Rachel has dedicated most of her time, she has also worked on other United Way education-centered projects, such as the United Way TAPP / Rod Hansen School Supply Pantry, which has provided over 300 students with essential school supplies since 2021. Rachel has observed how crucial one-on-one tutoring is for students with focus issues and how it helps maintain a routine that supports their learning.
A 2022 study from the University of Chicago revealed that students who received one-on-one tutoring during the pandemic saw a 15% increase in academic achievement compared to those who did not receive additional support.
Rachel observes, “Most students really benefit from the organization and the help maintaining a routine that a tutor provides.”
Looking ahead, Learn United aims to expand its reach to support even more students in the Greater Nashua area. The program plans to increase its volunteer base by 25% over the next year to meet the growing demand for educational support.
Get Involved with Learn United
Education is a fundamental building block for a good quality life, which is why equitable access to educational resources in the Greater Nashua community is a primary focus for United Way. The Learn United program continuously seeks new volunteers with experience working with children or expertise in specific subjects to support students in the Greater Nashua area who need academic assistance.
Learn United is more than just a tutoring service—it’s a community effort to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. By providing free educational support, we are building a stronger, more equitable future for all students in Greater Nashua.
Ready to make a difference in a student’s life? Whether you want to volunteer your time or seek tutoring support, Learn United welcomes you to be part of our community’s educational journey. Whether you’re a retiree with a passion for giving back or a high school student eager to help your peers, Learn United offers flexible volunteer opportunities for everyone. No teaching experience is required—just a willingness to support students and share your knowledge.
To get involved as a tutor or monitor, visit Volunteer Greater Nashua or contact UWGN at tutoring@unitedwaynashua.org with questions.
To get information on how your student can join the Learn United Program, visit Learn United and complete the referral form. For assistance with the form or any further questions, you can also contact UWGN at tutoring@unitedwaynashua.org.
Locations for Tutoring Sessions:
- Westwood Park YMCA
- Merrimack YMCA
- Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua
- YMCA of Greater Nashua, Nashua PAL, Girls Inc.
- Salvation Army
- Nashua Public Library
- United Way of Greater Nashua
- 21st Century Extended Day Program in Nashua Public Schools
Sources:
- National Assessment of Educational Progress (2021). NAEP 2021 Reading and Mathematics Assessments.
- McKinsey & Company (2022). COVID-19 and Learning Loss.
- National Tutoring Association (2022). [Benefits of Tutoring](https://www.nationaltut