Mothers Tutoring Academy

Founded in 2013, MTA is a non-profit, after-school education community development program, providing tutoring services for low-income K-12 students in St. Paul, Eden Prairie and Minneapolis, Minnesota. As nearly 100% of students are from families who have immigrated from East Africa, the cultural and educational difference between their home countries and the U.S. education system has resulted in many entering school behind in core subjects, with this gap only widening without the necessary support. MTA provides educational programming in a culturally sensitive manner in math, science, reading and speaking to bring these children up to speed in their courses. Not only do these activities provide the resources necessary for students to increase their academic performance, but it establishes a foundation for students to assimilate to their communities in the long-term. Reaching over 200 students annually, the program is designed with four pillars: group and one-on-one tutoring, youth development, peer-to-peer mentoring, and parent and community support. 

Teachers, school management, and parents consistently express that students have demonstrated growth in terms of grades, behavior, and self-esteem, and have developed strong study skills. 

Annually, MTA aims to meet the following goals:

• 85% of program participants gain a better understanding of math, science, and reading and tested at grade level or higher
• 15% increase in attendance
• 70% increase in families implementing reading and study skills at home
• 75% of students gain at least one level or higher in reading at the end of each school year.