California students now have access to 24/7 online tutoring with a new initiative that aims to help learners of all ages, announced Gov. Gavin Newsom this week.
The initiative also includes $254 million in grants to public libraries in 172 cities across 24 counties to renovate and improve facilities statewide. According to Newsom’s office, this is the first round of the state’s $439 million Building Foward Library Improvement Grant Program.
In San Diego County, the City Heights Multi Media Idea Lab& Performance Annex will receive more than $3,000,000, the Del Mar Library will receive more than $14,000 for improvements, and more than 10,000,000 is allocated for the Escondido Public Library Critical Infrastructure and Modernization Project.
“With historic investments to give the youngest Californians a strong start in life, enrich our schools and expand supports like tutoring, we’re building on our commitment to creating more opportunities for every child in our state to thrive, ”, Newsom said in a statement. “Public libraries are the hearts of communities across the state and our hubs of learning, discovery, and oftentimes – safety. While states across the nation are banning books, California is awarding $254 million in grants for our historic public libraries – an investment to make books more accessible by repairing and modernizing libraries throughout the state.”
Students can find real-time homework assistance that can now be accessed 24/7 here and on the websites of any of the 1,130 local public libraries around the state – click on the “HelpNow” link to reach a one-on-one tutor. The pilot program led by the State Library offers assistance in Math, Language Arts, and other core K-12 subjects in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
According to Newsom’s office, the service has no age limit. Adult learners can also access writing assistance, citizenship resources, and other tools.
“Not every family can afford a private tutor. Now through the CA State Library Brainfuse HelpNow program, every Californian can get free online tutoring. HelpNow tutors will assist all learners from Kindergartners on up build thinking and problem-solving skills. Tutors work with students through their homework challenges, and guide them to the right solution, without giving the answer,” Jack Rothstein, Brainfuse Library Services Director said in a statement.
