During 1999, 2000, and 2001, LoveLight staff and volunteers provided tutoring services for children experiencing difficulty in school at a small learning center held at the LoveLight office.  This project was not only beneficial to the students receiving help, but also to the Kent State students involved.

During the 2010-2011 school year, an after school tutoring program was provided for elementary students in collaboration with the Pan African Studies Department of Kent State University. Undergraduate students, many of whom are planning to become teachers, worked with younger students in addressing barriers to success, improving academic skills, and providing enrichment experiences. The children also enjoyed a nutritious snack at each session, which was held twice per week.

In 2012, LoveLight opened an office at 154 North Water Street in Kent and began the Tutoring Plus program which is designed to work with students, parents, and teachers to identify and overcome barriers to learning, promote healthful development, and build skills to support participant success in academics as well as life outside of school. A unique feature of the Tutoring Plus program is the incorporation of Rhythmic Movement Training and other exercises, as appropriate.

Tutoring Plus Resumes

After putting Tutoring Plus on hold due to the pandemic, LoveLight is resuming the program as of November 2022 and moving the sessions to the community room at the Villages at Franklin Crossing Apartments in Kent. Community volunteers, University of Akron intern, and Kent State students will be providing services under the direction of LoveLight executive director and educational psychologist, Lisbeth (Betsy) Justice. Participating children receive a nutritious snack and engage in activities designed to address issues affecting their ability to learn effectively, for example, active primitive reflexes, eyes that don’t track smoothly across the page from left to right, stress and anxiety, a need for further training in understanding the relationship between sounds and letters, and development of underlying skills important for reading. Enrichment, especially in the area of language arts is also provided.

Poetry session with Kent State Honors students.

Preparation for a Reader’s Theater performance.