Youth as Tutors
We empower young people to become 1-on-1 tutors for their parents or other adults and seniors in their community
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Youth Teach. Adults Learn. For Free.
Have you ever watched a child patiently explain how to use a smartphone to their grandparent, or a child translate for their parent at a bank or doctor's office? That's the spark that ignited our program. We take what naturally happens in many households and bring it into a community setting, where we train and coach young people to confidently and effectively teach their parents, as well as other adults and seniors in their neighborhood.
Picture this: a young volunteer helping a senior learn a new digital skill, or helping a newcomer adult learn English language skills. Along the way, youth develop patience, clear communication, and empathy, while adults and seniors gain valuable skills—in their own language if needed—helping them navigate daily life, work, and social connections. With private tutoring typically costing $20 per hour, our programs provide this support for free, focusing on low-income neighborhoods where it’s needed most.
Young people teach a variety of skills they have.
It could be…
English as a second language
Dance
Environmental literacy
Computer / Smart- phone skills
Financial literacy
Teaching anti-cyber bullying to teachers
Applying for jobs
Health literacy
Playing musical instruments
Sports/ physical exercise
Here's how it works
Youth Learn to Teach
We offer training in-person and online, teaching essential skills like patience, clear communication, and breaking down complex tasks into simple steps. You can see a sample of our training program by clicking the button below.
Youth are paired with adults/seniors for 1-on-1 teaching
Youth work with the same adult or senior over many weeks, building a strong learning relationship. Youth use our lesson plans to help guide their teaching. More than half the youth we work with speak a second language, and, when needed, are paired with an adult or senior who speaks that language.
We coach youth regularly
During each 1-on-1 session, we observe and provide personalized feedback to help each youth improve their teaching skills. After each session, we debrief with them to discuss what they learned, any challenges they faced, and how they can improve for next time.
Welcome!
Here's a quick introduction before you start
We have a few quick questions for you, followed by a short video. This will give you a brief glimpse into our training program, which equips young people with the skills needed to become effective tutors.
The examples you'll see are of a youth attempting to teach computer skills to an adult. However, these things are applicable across a variety of subject matters, whether teaching English language skills, dance moves, a musical instrument, or just about anything else.
You can't save your progress, but it will only take you a few minutes to complete.
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Which way is the best way to respond?
Let's recap. Here are 7 things to keep in mind when tutoring
FinishOther Work We Do
Facilitator Training
Every month, we host workshops—both small and large—for individuals looking to improve their ability to facilitate intergenerational programs. These sessions are often attended by teachers, post-secondary students, social service workers, and community members. Contact us to learn more!
Youth Leaders-in-Training (LIT)
Each year, dozens of youth take part in our LIT program, where they gain hands-on experience in organizing their own programs. They develop outreach materials, train and pair youth with adult learners, and ensure a positive learning environment throughout the 1-on-1 sessions they facilitate.
Read Our StoriesCustomized Curriculum & Training
Our programs have successfully engaged adults and seniors who are isolated, face language barriers, or are otherwise difficult to reach. In the past, we’ve partnered with organizations like Toronto Public Health and the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto to develop customized lesson plans that young people can use to teach important topics 1-on-1.