Education leaders from across the country gathered in Washington D.C. for the 2025 Annual Convening: State of High-Dosage Tutoring, hosted by Accelerate and ProvenTutoring. The event focused on High-Impact Tutoring (HIT), an evidence-based strategy proven to close learning gaps. For Southeast Community Foundation (SCF), this approach aligns directly with our mission to provide personalized academic support for underserved students.

Key Takeaways

The Power of High-Impact Tutoring

HIT is a structured, research-backed intervention that accelerates student learning through frequent, well-structured sessions led by trained tutors. Unlike casual homework help, HIT systematically improves literacy and math outcomes. Studies show it can double reading growth rates and triple math learning, making it the most effective strategy for closing achievement gaps post-pandemic.

Community-Based Tutoring is Essential

The convening emphasized the role of community organizations like SCF in delivering HIT. Local nonprofits have deep relationships with students and families, ensuring programs are culturally responsive and impactful. Research confirms that students engage more when tutors come from their own communities, strengthening trust and motivation. SCF remains a leader in Los Angeles by embedding HIT within our community-driven education initiatives.

Insights from D.C.’s HIT Model

Washington D.C.’s High-Impact Tutoring initiative demonstrated HIT’s effectiveness beyond academics. Students who participated in 20+ sessions significantly improved attendance, with chronic absentees gaining five more school days annually. This reinforces that tutoring not only boosts learning but also strengthens school engagement—an approach SCF aims to expand.

Enhancing SCF’s Tutoring Strategy

SCF is integrating these lessons by:

• Increased Session Frequency & Duration: Ensuring students receive 20+ tutoring sessions to maximize academic gains.

• Strengthening Data-Driven Instruction: Using assessments to tailor support and track progress.

• Expanding Community Engagement: Partnering with local leaders, parents, and culturally aligned tutors to enhance student success.

Sustaining HIT Through Policy & Funding

As COVID-relief funds phase out, sustaining HIT requires advocacy and investment. SCF will work with policymakers and funders to ensure dedicated resources for tutoring in underserved communities. We encourage educators, leaders, and donors to join us in making HIT a permanent fixture in education, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

High-Impact Tutoring is a game-changer for educational equity. With the right strategies, partnerships, and resources, SCF is committed to scaling this proven intervention for lasting impact.

Best Wishes,

Cassandra Petersen Harris

Executive Director

Southeast Community Foundation has earned a 2025 Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid!  Seals of Transparency are earned by organizations for publicly sharing their data.

We are honored to share that Southeast Community Foundation has been awarded a Vernon CommUNITY Fund grant!  SCF is excited to partner with the City of Vernon to continue to offer our high-dosage tutoring programs to the youth in the Vernon Area.  Thank you to the Vernon City Council and the Vernon CommUNITY Fund Grant Committee for this honor.

Southeast Community Foundation was recognized with other local organizations at a City of Vernon City Council meeting in support of our mission to promote positive social and academic development of disadvantaged youth in the Vernon Area.

Did you know that if you have a Ralph's Rewards card, you could be supporting SCF every time you shop at Ralphs?  Southeast Community Foundation is a registered non-profit organization with Ralphs Community Contribution Program.

1. Sign in to your Ralphs account.

2. Go to Community Contribution.

3. Search for Southeast Community Foundation (our Organization Number is XB249)

4. Select us from the list and click “Save”.

And that's it - you're now supporting SCF every time you shop at Ralphs and scan your Rewards Card.  Thank you for your support!