Learning Center

What is The Learning Center at Trinity Presbyterian Church?
The Trinity Learning Center is a drop in, middle-school after-school tutoring program that provides academic assistance and access to computer technology to neighborhood young people at no cost. Our driving goal is to support and accelerate every student's individual academic progress primarily through one-on-one mentoring and tutoring. Located in the basement of Trinity Presbyterian Church, The Learning Center provides a safe space for students to make friends, have access to caring adult mentors, and receive homework help. We also put on a number of programs throughout the year including field trips, spring break activities, and Tuesday Night Talks (TNT)- a biweekly event where our hours are extended and we share a meal and conversation with our students.

Who works at the Learning Center?
The Learning Center is staffed by our Learning Center Coordinator, Skylar Cole, along with Rich Isett and Nary Nguon, our Learning Center AmeriCorps Staff. A number of community volunteers also give their time to the Learning Center throughout the week.

How does The Learning Center support students in school?
The staff at the Learning Center works in cooperation with Jason Lee Middle School and Bryant Montessori to follow-up with school assignments, build relationships with, and assist teachers, and to advocate for students who attend the Center. Throughout their time at The Learning Center, each student is assigned a "one-on-one" buddy who works to build a deeper relationship with them and monitors their individual progress in school.

What hours is The Learning Center open?
We are open Monday - Thursday, 2:30 to 5:30 pm, and Fridays 2:30 to 4:30 pm for a "free day". A Typical Day at the Trinity Learning Center looks something like this:

Free Time 2:30-3:00 (Hang out, play basketball, use the computer, grab some cereal,etc.)

Work Time 3:00-3:30 (All students doing homework, college research, or reading)

Free Time 3:30-3:45

Work Time 3:45-4:15

Snack Time 4:15-4:30 (Free snacks!)

Work Time 4:30-5:00

Free Time 5:00-5:30

On Fridays we have free time all day, with no mandatory homework time. It's a day for basketball, games, and generally just hanging out together. Occasionally we will plan field trips or movies for Friday afternoons.

How can I sign my student up for The Learning Center?
No need to sign up in advance- just seem em' on over! We do have a permission form that we ask parents to sign every year that students receive on their first day at the Center. If you would like more information in advance, feel free to contact us (see below).

Want to Volunteer? Get to know neighborhood youth by being a tutor!
We are always in need of community members willing to volunteer their time to the Center. You do not need to commit to coming every day, or even for the entire afternoon, but we would love to have people that can come consistently for our kids. Please Contact us if you are interested or would like more information (see below)

We look forward to seeing you!
Skylar Cole, Rich Isett, and Nary Nguon
253-272-8819 x104
skylarc@tpctacoma.org
richi@tpctacoma.org
naryn@tpctacoma.org