Partners Are Learning (PAL) Program

Mission: To provide one-to-one tutoring and mentoring to students in grades 2 – 8 through the use of community volunteers.

Established by the Beaver Dam Unified School District during the 1992-1993 school year, the Partners Are Learning (PAL) program matches volunteers with children who are in need of academic assistance. Children enrolled in PAL are typically not receiving assistance through other school programs.  The program continues because children realize more success academically and socially due to the positive relationship formed with their PAL.

A Partners Are Learning (PAL) volunteer works on an individual basis with a child, devoting special attention to the child’s needs while serving as a positive role model.  Most PAL groups meet for 30 – 45 minutes twice a week (Monday through Thursday) at the child’s school either before or after school.  The volunteer assists the child with teacher-directed learning activities which might include reading, spelling, flashcards, worksheets, homework and educational games.  The program also retains a list of substitute PAL volunteers to fill in when a regular volunteer is unavailable.  Volunteers must complete a background verification and sign a confidentiality agreement.