Saint Louis University students are well aware that the annual cost for tuition is far beyond pocket change. However, with this substantial investment comes the guarantee of a renowned Jesuit education and the foundation for a successful future. But how many students think about the cost of education when hitting their snooze buttons after being awaken for their 8 a.m. class?
Although some may grasp their learning experience with excitement, the majority of students take this opportunity for granted. Fortunately, with every assumption there are exceptions, and freshman Nathan Byrd is a perfect example of this.
One evening, while sitting in his dorm room, Byrd began brainstorming ways that would benefit those in the education system who are less fortunate than him.
“By influencing those who have not had the same opportunity, individuals who have been well-educated can provide others with the opportunity for a better education,” Byrd said.
He then contacted local urban schools and discussed his idea of developing a tutoring program in which SLU students could participate. After receiving overwhelming encouragement from the administrators, Byrd developed a constitution for the program, which outlined his objectives and goals, and officially named the organization Raising the Bar. Byrd then met with Meghan McCarthy, Brian Strassburger and Ryan Carny, whom he knew would share in his excitement for the program, and all agreed to become members of the executive board.
The volunteer group was limited on funds, and their only form of advertisement was by word of mouth. However, after several meetings were held, the small group of four has quickly grown to approximately 30 students.
For those interested but still wondering what are duties of a student volunteer are, Byrd explains that every Monday from 1:10 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. and every Tuesday from 2:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., between six and 11 students travel to a local school located only five minutes away.
Tutors are assigned to work individually with high school students on a range of subjects including math, English, history and science. For those who are unable to take time out of their busy week, on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., students are able to participate in a physical service project, or in the future, assist with an ACT preparatory program.
On Friday, Feb. 24, SLU students took advantage of the opportunity to play laser tag in the Simon Recreation Center for a small cost of one dollar. All proceeds made from this event were donated to Raising the Bar. Aside from this donation, the Residence Hall Association has given the program a grant of $300. More funding should be on the way, as the group hopes to receive their full charter in April.
For students interested in sharing their educational wealth, contact Nathan Byrd via email at [email protected] or by phone at 977-4704.
