Question 1

Is Empower CNY tutoring free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Empower CNY is a completely volunteer based organization.

Question 2

Is Empower CNY only offered online?

Accepted Answer

No! We are now offering in-person and online opportunities for all students! In-person tutoring takes place every weekend at the Vietnamese Community Center, the Central Library, Petit Branch Library, Vineyard Community Center, and virtually! The Oneida Public Library is another location that is coming soon!

Question 3

Do students get tutored one-on-one online?

Accepted Answer

Every one of our students is matched with a tutor that we believe is the best fit for them. When students and tutors join the main session, we welcome them and place everyone into private breakout rooms as soon as we can.

Question 4

Are students expected to bring any materials to online sessions?

Accepted Answer

For virtual tutoring: Parents may email directors@empowercny.org any specific materials that they would like shared with their child's tutor. Tutors will be expected to prepare materials that will be benificial to the student before the session, with exception of the first meeting.   For in-person tutoring, students should arrive with homework, or other work that they would like help on. Paper, pencils, and snacks will be provided.

Question 5

How long is each session? Where is it?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we are offering online tutoring and in-person tutoring (in select locations) to students. The session times offered for virtual tutoring are flexible, but in-person tutoring takes place Saturday mornings at the Vietnamese Community Center (10:30-12:30PM), the OCPL: Central Library (1:30-3:00PM), the OCPL: Petit Branch Library (3:30-4:30PM), and the Oneida Public Library (10:00-11:30AM).   Students who sign up for virtual tutoring will have to indicate a general time they are most available (i.e. Saturday or Sunday in the morning or in the evening) and we will place them and their tutor in a session taking place around that time. If no existing session timings work (currently, Saturday 9:30 am - 10:30 am and Sunday's from 10:30 am - 11:30 am), a new session may be created for that student. Tutor pairings are always placed into private Zoom breakout rooms during sessions for one on one tutoring.

Question 6

Does volunteering count towards service hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes!   Every hour spent tutoring for Empower CNY will count towards your community service hours. High school students should take advantage of the oppurtunity. Not only will you work to help the community, but you will be able to count Empower CNY volunteering towards volunteer work for NHS, Key club, and other service clubs.

Question 7

How can I register to be a Tutor or Student?

Accepted Answer

Navigate over to the "Our Programs" page, and you will see an option listed as "Tutoring." Click on that, and you will be directed to a page with more information and links to forms.