AOC taps huge team of volunteers to tutor kids in Queens

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez launched a new tutoring program for constituents. Photo by Susan Walsh/AP

By Rachel Vick

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has rallied a massive team of volunteers from across the country to provide free tutoring for kids in Queens and the Bronx.

The pilot program, which relies on Ocasio-Cortez’s loyal supporters, began in the Bronx before expanding to Corona, Jackson Heights and other parts of the Queens portion of Congressional District 14 late last month.

Last week, over 1,500 volunteers signed up, according to her campaign. The organizers have begun pairing Queens families with tutors who will provide weekly homework support to help students bridge the widening education gap.

“COVID-19 has meant parents struggling to juggle work, childcare, and remote schooling. Last week, NYC shut down our public schools, and as we brace for yet another wave of rising COVID-19 cases, folks need our support more than ever,” said campaign organizer Jonathan Soto. 

“So we are calling on retired teachers, college students or anyone interested in helping kids keep up with their studies to sign up and volunteer their time.”

Tutors will connect with students through a shared Zoom link before moving into breakout rooms for more hands-on help.

About 120 trained tutors ran sessions during the month-long pilot for students in the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx. The volunteers provided support in Spanish, Bangla and Cantonese.

For now, there are sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. The goal is to have tutoring every weekday when school resumes in January. 

Parent Teacher Associations in the district can reach out to Ocasio-Cortez’s office to participate in the program, and potential tutors can sign up online.