Glendale Youth Benefit from “Path to College” Tutoring Program

GLENDALE—More that 35 low-income students from Glendale schools completed a month and a half long pilot tutoring program on June 16, launched by the Armenian National Committee of Glendale, the Armenian Youth Federation and the CASPS.

Spearheaded by the ANC Glendale Chapter, the tutoring program came as an expansion of the Path to College Program established by the chapter in 2007.

“We are excited to create this pipeline of support for neighborhood youth as education and youth development are key components of our work at ANC Glendale,” stated Elen Asatryan, Executive Director of ANC Glendale. “ANC Glendale along with its partners is grateful to all the volunteer tutors who made the pilot program such a great success. We will take the summer to evaluate the program in an effort to make it permanent staple in the community come September,” added Asatryan.

Initially, the Path to College program included hosting community forums for non-English speaking parents and students that covered such topic matters as high school graduation requirements, the college admission process, ways students can recover credit, financial aid as well as differences between community colleges and universities. In January 2011, ANC Glendale joined forces with the Armenian Youth Federation – WR and CASPS in hopes of expanding the program to include free after school tutoring to local youth. The pilot program which ran from May 1, 2011-June 16, 2011 offered tutoring in Math, Science and English, 3 days a week, between the hours of 4 to 7 p.m. All tutoring sessions were held at the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center.

“Being one of the primary pillars of the AYF, educational enrichment is a goal the organization actively strives to achieve,” explained AYF Central Executive member Niree Kodaverdian. “Unfortunately, many families don’t have the means to afford private tutoring for their children. Our goal with the jointly organized Tutoring Program is to make available this supplemental education opportunity to students, regardless of their family’s income,” added Kodaverdian.

Volunteer tutors included Arthur Kayzakian, Derenik Estepanian, Haig Hovsepian, Karineh Krikourian, Kristina Karayan, Levon Shant Tosounian, Lilit Abramyan, Maral Mirzayan, Narine Jallatyan, Niree Kodaverdian, Niree Perian, Petros Dertsakyan, Ripsime Kirakosyan, Rouben Krikourian, Saro Haroun, Shant Hagopian, William Bairamian. Verginie Touloumian and Zourik Zarifian.

Founded in 1933, the Armenian Youth Federation is the largest and most influential Armenian-American youth organization in the United States working to advance the social, political, educational, and cultural awareness of Armenian-American youth.

Since its inception, CASPS has served more than 5000 children and parents in all ethnic groups. In the Glendale Unified School District, the organization enjoys continuous collaboration with the Healthy Start Program, addressing problems and making a positive difference. In the Los Angeles Unified School District Local District 2, CASPS participate in troubleshooting, diversity programs planning, and staff development workshops.

The Armenian National Committee – Glendale Chapter advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.