826michigan is hosting an Online Learning Lab. The program is free but registration is required. Click here for more info!
For more information about our traditional after-school tutoring program, please read below.
To get your student involved in future in-person tutoring sessions (start date TBD), fill out our interest form here and we’ll be in touch with you soon with next steps.
What is 826michigan’s free tutoring program?
826michigan is proud to offer a completely free tutoring program for students between 8 and 18 years old. This program pairs volunteer community member tutors with students who need homework assistance in a safe, supportive environment.
Where does tutoring take place?
826michigan offers tutoring in our writing lab, inside of the Detroit Robot Factory, in Eastern Market. Our address is 1351 Winder St., Detroit, MI 48207, right next to Beyond Juice. Parking is available at any of the lots on Russell, spots in front of the businesses on Russell, and limited street parking on Winder.
When does tutoring take place?
Tutoring takes place Monday through Wednesday from 4-6pm. When the Detroit Public Schools Community District closes for any reason, either a planned break or weather-related closure, 826michigan programs are also closed. There is no summertime tutoring program. News about tutoring cancellations due to weather or special events is available on our website and all of our social media channels.
Do you offer transportation to and from tutoring?
Currently we are not able to provide transportation, though we are working to make this a possibility. We are located near stops on the 37 Gratiot and 40 Russell DDOT bus lines. There is plenty of parking available near our center, should you stay in Eastern Market after you drop off or while you wait to pick up your student.
Do you tutor students in subjects other than creative writing?
Yes! We provide homework help and academic support in any subject area, from beginning spelling words to earth science to foreign languages to advanced physics..
Who are your tutors?
826michigan tutors are trained volunteers who are passionate about providing the one-on-one guidance that we believe facilitates great leaps in learning and academic success. Our tutors range from undergraduate students to published creative writers to post-doctoral researchers to professionals from every field.
How do I register my student?
The first step is to complete our interest form, linked here, and your student will be added to our waitlist. Once a spot opens up, we will contact you with next steps to have your student registered.
What can I expect the first time my student comes to tutoring?
Upon entering the Detroit Robot Factory, you will be encouraged to go up our stairs and into our writing lab. If you require elevator access, that is available and the store personnel can direct you there. Once in our lab, you will be greeted by a staff member or intern. We require that you meet with a tutoring staff person at some point during your student’s first day (either upon drop off or at pick up works best). The staff or intern will give you a tour of our space, introduce you to some of the tutors, and take in all the paperwork that we require. Your student will get introduced to the procedures and logistics of our program such as: a healthy snack starting at 4pm, the creative writing prompt of the day, our end of day reflection sheets, bathroom and water procedures, library access, laptop computer usage, and more. From there, your student will be matched with a volunteer tutor to assist them with their homework.
What should my student bring to tutoring?
Students are asked to bring homework, practice sheets, writing projects, or workbooks to tutoring. Our small but growing library of reading materials is also always open to our students. We are sometimes able to extend general support to students; however, if a student arrives without homework, they will be expected to participate in writing and reading activities.
Do you offer tutoring help anywhere besides Detroit?
Yes! We offer drop-in, after-school tutoring in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. For more information on tutoring in Ann Arbor, click here. For more information on tutoring in Ypsilanti, click here.
Are you looking for adult volunteer tutors?
Yes! If you are interested in volunteering with 826michigan in any capacity, please fill out a volunteer application online. We will contact you about our next volunteer orientation and tutor training.
Who can I contact with more questions about 826michigan tutoring in Detroit?
Please contact Program Coordinator José Rivas with questions about Detroit After-school Tutoring at 826michigan: jose@826michigan.org or (313) 818-0255.
