PGP Philadelphia at the State Correctional Institution - Chester
Since 2016, over 70 Petey Greene Program Philadelphia tutors have supported 140 incarcerated learners at the State Correctional Institution - Chester in pursuit of their GED. Tutors and students met in large group study halls twice per week to work on student-identified academic needs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our programming transitioned to a virtual tutoring pilot. Five incarcerated learners met with five dedicated PGP volunteers via Zoom once per week to work on algebra, science, test-taking strategies, and writing skills. Over the course of 10 weeks, tutors and students not only worked on academic material, but also created meaningful and positive virtual learning environments. One student shared that he “felt like a kid again, eager to learn!”
The success of this pilot allows us to expand tutoring opportunities to more students at SCI Chester this summer. While we’re looking forward to the eventual return of in-person tutoring at the facility, we’re excited to be able to continue our work in the meantime.
Thank you to the Patricia Kind Family Foundation, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, the Lawrence Saunders Fund, and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson for their funding support of this program.
“Petey Greene tutors gave our students the extra boost they needed! It was especially beneficial to work with a bilingual tutor for one Spanish-speaking student. We greatly appreciate the tutors’ investment of time, talent and energy. They are contributing significantly to the future of our students.”