In classrooms across Birmingham, college students are helping middle and high school students build stronger reading and math skills — and stronger confidence — through the High Dosage Tutoring program.
The program, a partnership between United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) and Birmingham City Schools, places trained college tutors in small-group sessions with students who benefit from additional academic support.
While the goal is to strengthen learning outcomes, it is also creating meaningful experiences for the tutors themselves.
For Kimari Price, a junior majoring in social work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the opportunity to tutor students in Birmingham felt deeply personal.
“I think it is important that children have the fundamental tools they learn at a young age because those skills follow them throughout their education,” Price said.
“I attended Birmingham City Schools from kindergarten through fifth grade, and that experience shaped a lot of who I am today and the type of work I want to do as a future social worker.”
Support That Makes a Difference
During one session, Price noticed a change in a student that reminded her why consistent academic support matters.
At first, the student struggled to stay focused while sitting near a classmate who was easily distracted. Over time, Price saw the student begin to take more ownership of her learning.
“She stopped sitting near that student, began trying harder during the lessons and started asking me questions when she didn’t understand something,” Price said. “Seeing that shift reminded me how important it is for students to have someone there to support and encourage them.”
Building Skills Beyond the Classroom
The experience is also helping tutors such as Price develop professional skills they will carry into their future careers.
“I’ve learned how to communicate clearly with students and remind them that while I’m there to help and support them, I’m still in a leadership role and not their peer,” she said.
For Price, the role is also a chance to give back to the community that helped shape her.
“Birmingham is important to me, and I want to give back and help children in any way I can,” she said.