Eastside Learning Center

Since 2001, East Side Learning Center (ESLC) has been supporting our community’s most vulnerable children - those facing barriers to education, such as homelessness, poverty, trauma, disabilities, and racial bias. ESLC envisions a community where all children read with pride and joy. Our mission empowers children to be successful in school, graduate, and succeed in their future careers. ESLC provides one-to-one supplemental literacy support and mentoring relationships that help children thrive. ESLC offers a high quality program, rooted in best practices based on current data and the Science of Reading.

One-on-one literacy tutoring can help level the playing field for students in underrepresented communities. One-on-one tutoring programs can be more flexible and adaptable than traditional classroom teaching, offering additional support when and where it's most needed. One-on-one tutoring creates opportunities for students to form positive relationships with or role models who can inspire them to reach their potential. 

Tutors often act as trusted adults who can provide emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. These relationships can be especially important for students who may lack positive role models in their personal lives, helping to reinforce the value of education and personal growth.  

The benefits of one-on-one reading tutoring extend far beyond immediate academic improvements. In the long run, early intervention through personalized reading support can change the trajectory of a child's life. When children master foundational reading skills, they are better positioned to succeed in all areas of their education. This not only enhances their chances of graduating high school and pursuing higher education, but also equips them with the skills necessary to succeed in the workforce, participate fully in civic life, and contribute to their communities. In the context of underrepresented communities, where educational inequities are most pronounced, one-on-one reading tutoring can act as a leveling force, offering opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. By providing tailored support that addresses each child's specific needs, one-on-one tutoring helps to bridge the gap, empowering students to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential. One-on-one reading tutoring is more than just an academic intervention; it is a powerful tool for social and educational equity. Through consistent, personalized support, one-on-one tutoring has the potential to transform lives, break cycles of poverty, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.