Helping Every Child Thrive The Community Center’s award-winning VAST program helps students build skills, confidence, and a love of learning by Lori Broadbent, Recreation, Wellness & Youth Program Manager No two children learn exactly the same way. Some need extra support to build foundational reading skills. Others benefit from individualized guidance in writing or mathematics. Some are multilingual learners developing English while keeping pace with grade-level expectations, while others are ready for greater academic chal- lenges than the classroom can always provide. At the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, our award-winning Valley After School Tutoring (VAST) program was built on one simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Through affordable, one-on-one tutoring, VAST helps students in kindergarten through eighth grade build academic skills, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. One of VAST’s greatest strengths is its incredible team of tutors. Students are thoughtfully matched based on their academic goals, learning style, and personal- ity. Our tutoring team includes credentialed teachers, college students, high school mentors, and dedicated community members, creating a diverse mix of experience that allows us to support students with a wide range of learning profiles—from those receiving special education services or strengthening English language skills to students seeking homework support or academic enrichment. More importantly, these one-on-one relationships help every child feel seen, encouraged, and capable. The results speak for themselves. One second grader came to VAST struggling with reading and lacking confidence. Through individualized tutoring, he progressed to reading at grade level, com- pleted the second-grade math curriculum, and eagerly began learning third-grade multiplication. Today, he arrives excited to learn and proud of what he has accom- plished. Another student entered VAST with significant reading challenges. During tutor- ing, it became clear that additional support was needed, and after a school evalua- tion, the student qualified for special education services due to dyslexia. Two years later, he is reading independently, persevering through challenges, and approaching learning with far greater confidence. His family has chosen to continue tutoring throughout the summer because of the remarkable progress he has made. VAST also serves students who need to be challenged rather than caught up. One fourth grader, already performing above grade level, now explores advanced math concepts, reads adult novels with excellent comprehension, and continues to strengthen her writing through individualized enrichment. Learning at her own pace has kept her motivated, engaged, and excited about school.
For older students, the impact of tutoring often extends well beyond academics. One eighth grader joined VAST to improve his writing. Over two years, his writ- ing and confidence flourished. This spring, he delivered a TED-style presentation encouraging young men to openly discuss their emotions and mental health and helped establish a peer discussion group at school. He now heads to Marin School of the Arts as both a stronger writer and a confident leader. As our community’s needs continue to evolve, so does the program. We have seen a growing number of students receiving special education services through Individual- ized Education Programs (IEPs) benefit from individualized tutoring that comple- ments classroom instruction. We’re also proud to support more multilingual learners from Spanish-speaking households as they strengthen English language skills while keeping pace with grade-level academics. These students bring incredible strengths to our community, and VAST provides additional support to help them thrive.
Whether a student needs targeted academic intervention, enrichment, homework support, or simply a quiet place to learn after school, VAST is designed to meet each child where they are. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the program offers an affordable Homework Club, and many students attending our afterschool care at Zoila’s or The LOFT seamlessly incorporate tutoring into their afternoon. Every year, VAST tutors witness moments that can’t be measured by grades alone— the first chapter read independently, the excitement of solving a difficult math problem, the confidence to present in front of classmates, or the quiet realization of “I can do this.” Those moments are why VAST exists. The 2026–2027 VAST program begins shortly after Labor Day. Because students are individually matched with tutors based on their learning profile and schedule, registration is coordinated directly through the Community Center rather than online. Families are billed monthly, making the program both flexible and afford- able. Although many VAST participants attend Lagunitas Community School or Nicasio School, we welcome children from all schools in our Greater West Marin community. To learn more or discuss whether VAST is a good fit for your child, please contact Lori Broadbent at lbroadbent@sgvcc.org. Students are placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Every child learns differently. VAST provides affordable, one-on-one tutoring that helps K–8 students build skills, confidence, and a love of learning.
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