Detention Tutoring Program
A new tutoring program for ASU students to work with youth experiencing juvenile detention in Maricopa, Pinal, and Mohave Counties.
About
The ASU Youth Education Program (YEP) supports the academic goals of youth experiencing detention through providing them high-quality, volunteer tutoring.
Mission: For the justice-involved youth, our goal is to supplement the education they receive in the Juvenile Detention Facility and promote their academic achievement by providing them ASU students who conduct free, high-quality tutoring within the facility. For ASU students, our mission is to train them to become effective tutors, allies, and advocates who understand and promote structural solutions to structural problems.
Our first cohort of ASU student tutors in Maricopa, which includes Nia, Malia, Jonathan, and Naya, began in February of 2022.
Where We're Located
Locations: This program started as a proud partnership between staff of the Maricopa County Juvenile Probation Department (MCJPD), teachers of the Maricopa County Regional School District, and Professor Adam Fine of the Youth Justice Lab at ASU.
In January 2023, we expanded our partnerships and added tutoring for youth in the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Facility and the Mohave County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Currently, we are working with youth in the juvenile detention facilities in:
Maricopa County
Mohave County
Pinal County
Impact
"I like to think that I made a huge impact on these kids. Especially being bilingual, I know that the few kids who had language barriers were able to actually be explained the material they were expected to learn, which is huge since most teachers aren’t bilingual to the extent to explain math and science in another language. As the kids warmed up, I could sense the eagerness when I went to a classroom. A prime example would be walking in a class and immediately hearing “Miss! Miss! Come over here, I need help with this”, and the only issue with that was that there was only one of me with about 5 different students asking me at the same time. I know the youth felt the support considering I would get “why are you here?” I would reply that I simply want to be. “So you don’t get paid for this?” And in turn, I’d explain the internship, and out of all the opportunities I had, I wanted to work with them. It really startled them but their demeanor changed and it’s almost as though a wall was brought down and they allowed me to help them even more. For the youth, I think it was important for them to see that people are willing to put in that effort, especially as a volunteer and know that we do it for the mere reason to help them. "
-Yaritzi, Tutor
"I joined this program because I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about the juvenile system. I also love working with kids, so I thought it would be a perfect fit for me! I gained a lot from this experience, but most importantly, I gained an immense feeling of gratification from helping the youth. We are crucial to their learning experience because the teachers are often busy and do not have time to help every kid. Most kids are either too scared or prideful to speak up and ask for help. As tutors, we are able to break that ice and work with them in a less intimidating setting. Overall, it’s been a great experience and the feeling of knowing you’re making an impact on the youth is the best feeling. "
-Sophia, Tutor
"I think my involvement helped some of the youth have more confidence in themselves. I saw how much some students struggled trying to understand the material but when they finally understood they were so excited they became unstoppable and excited to start another assignment. Sometimes they would even shoo me away saying they can do the rest by themselves and I would take a step back and watch how confident they were after scoring well by themselves."
-Alondra, Tutor
Get Involved
"I like to think that I made a huge impact on these kids. Especially being bilingual, I know that the few kids who had language barriers were able to actually be explained the material they were expected to learn, which is huge since most teachers aren’t bilingual to the extent to explain math and science in another language. As the kids warmed up, I could sense the eagerness when I went to a classroom. A prime example would be walking in a class and immediately hearing “Miss! Miss! Come over here, I need help with this”, and the only issue with that was that there was only one of me with about 5 different students asking me at the same time. I know the youth felt the support considering I would get “why are you here?” I would reply that I simply want to be. “So you don’t get paid for this?” And in turn, I’d explain the internship, and out of all the opportunities I had, I wanted to work with them. It really startled them but their demeanor changed and it’s almost as though a wall was brought down and they allowed me to help them even more. For the youth, I think it was important for them to see that people are willing to put in that effort, especially as a volunteer and know that we do it for the mere reason to help them. " -Yaritzi, Pinal Tutor
Requirements and Preparation: ASU students are trained in pedagogy, trauma-informed care, the mechanics of a tutoring session, reading intervention, principles of math instruction, communicating with youth, safety, and risk.
Our calendar follows the ASU academic calendar. After the training, students go to the Juvenile Detention Facility in person for tutoring sessions every week, and we will have weekly check-in sessions. Consistent with all ASU internships, the expectation is a 10-hour per week commitment throughout the semester.
If you are applying for the Mohave facility, you must be enrolled as a student at the ASU Lake Havasu City campus.
Please note that all interns must be either 21 or at least a junior or senior in college.
Apply: Spring 2024
Applications are due November 3, 2024 for the Spring 2024 session. Applicants must be at least 21 years old or a Junior or Senior in College.
Our first group of tutors in Pinal County consisted of Madeline, Sasha, Lane, and Brittany.
Support and Media Coverage
Support: We are grateful for the support of an ASU Watts College Inclusive Design for Equity and Access (IDEA) mini-grant. The IDEA office supports the advancement of Watts College’s commitment to being an anti-racist and anti-oppressive college. We are also grateful for the new graphing calculators donated by the ASU School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences.
