Offutt tutoring program helps students make the grade Published Feb. 19, 2015 By Delanie Stafford 55 Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- For the past three years, military members from across Offutt Air Force Base have been meeting with students in libraries and classrooms throughout the area where they discuss things like Physics, Calculus and English. They come from different military services, careers and backgrounds, but they all share a common goal, helping students succeed. "There's a distinct need," said U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew Allison, who is one of the coordinators for the Offutt Volunteer Tutors program. "Not everyone understands Algebra, or Chemistry, or Physics, so we try to help them as best we can." The program was first introduced in 2011 with the goal of helping military dependent children, but it quickly expanded to assist all students from the local area. In the first year, the program matched tutors with 15 students. It doubled to more than 30 requests during the 2012-2013 school year, and Allison says they've already had 28 requests this year. Allison meets with his students about three-to-four times per week, usually for about an hour. Sometimes the students are at risk of failing a course. Sometimes they just want to improve a grade or need help with a specific lesson. "Now I'm tutoring English," Allison said. "When I started out with the student last semester, he had a 27 percent. We did a few essays, I helped him review for English tests, and I read couple of books with him. Eventually we got him to pass the class by the end of the semester." He said he uses a positive approach with them to keep it interesting. "I'm pretty upbeat and try to make them smile," Allison said. "I find it more engaging." "It's been fun," said Jake Moore, a junior at Bellevue East High School. "He's quite a jokester, but he helps me with stuff." Allison has tutored Moore since October, and with Allison's help, Moore was able to pass an English class he was failing. He continues to meet with Allison for help with English and Algebra. "It's been really helpful," Moore said. "I would definitely recommend it to other people, whether they are failing horribly or just need help." Allison said they currently have about 50 volunteer tutors from the base, but can always use more bright minds. He's been working with the Bellevue Public Schools district and the Offutt school liaison officer to increase awareness and participation in the program. Michelle Pridell, who is the Offutt AFB school liaison officer, says the program can also provide positive role models for students. "Students look up to our active-duty members, and when they see how much they value education, it sends an extremely positive message," Pridell said. The free program is available to middle school, high school and college students, and tutors are currently available for Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, History, English, Writing and Spanish. Allison took over the program last year, and says he's enjoyed working with students. Before he arrived at Offutt, he was assigned to a submarine, which made volunteering difficult. Now that he works normal hours as a planning officer at U.S. Strategic Command, he's able to volunteer more of his time for a cause he feels is important to the community. "I've got a lot of extra time, and I don't want someone to have to graduate late because they didn't understand Algebra," Allison said. To volunteer as a military tutor, or to request a tutor, please contact Lt. Andrew Allison at (402) 232-3753 or Michelle Pridell at (402) 294-4329.