Tremaine Brown receives grant to launch tutoring and mentoring initiative

Tremaine Brown, director and president of the Vessel of Humanity and Compassion, recently announced the successful award of a substantial grant from the Amarillo Area Foundation. The grant, designated as an Education Catalyst Grant, will fund the launch of a new tutoring and mentoring program aimed at supporting underprivileged students in the Amarillo area.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant, which allows us to move forward with our plan to provide essential academic support to children who are falling behind in their education due to financial constraints,” Brown said. The funding will enable the program to begin the search for a suitable facility and continue developing its tutoring and mentoring curriculum.

The initiative, still in the process of finalizing its name, will cater to students across all grade levels, from elementary through high school. The program’s primary goal is to address educational disparities by offering free tutoring and mentoring services to those in need. Brown emphasized that the program is designed to support children struggling academically, particularly those without the financial means to seek extra help.

“If we have 15 participants, we want to have at least three to five teachers to maintain a one-to-three ratio,” Brown said. “Kids perform better in smaller groups where they don’t feel embarrassed or singled out. In a class of 30, a child might be reluctant to read out loud because they feel embarrassed. But in a smaller group, with fewer watchful eyes, they are more likely to participate and engage without fear of judgment.”

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Brown explained that a smaller teacher-to-student ratio helps create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged and understood. “We want to ensure that every child feels safe and confident enough to participate. If a student’s home life has been challenging, and they’ve grown to fear adult authority, a smaller, more attentive group can help build their confidence and change their outlook.”

Key partners in this effort include educators Dr. Shona Rose and Jacob Breeden, who have been instrumental in shaping the program’s curriculum. The program aims to collaborate with local school districts, including Amarillo ISD, River Road ISD, Canyon ISD, and Highland Park ISD, to identify students in need of support.

The program's approach extends beyond academic assistance. It seeks to address various factors affecting educational success, such as home life, food insecurity, and other socio-economic challenges. Brown highlighted the importance of not only tutoring but also providing resources to improve the overall well-being of students and their families.

“If we can bring kids in three times a week — say, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday — we can help ensure their homework gets completed and their academic progress is maintained,” Brown said. “Our goal is to keep them on track and provide additional support where needed. We’ll monitor their progress closely and adjust our approach based on their individual needs.”

The program will feature separate orientations for parents and students to better understand individual needs and challenges. Additionally, it will offer financial literacy classes and parenting workshops to help families build a stronger foundation for their children's education.

Brown also addressed the program’s plan to provide teacher stipends, acknowledging the challenges faced by educators. “We want to support teachers who are passionate about their work but may feel constrained by current educational policies and financial limitations,” he said. The program aims to offer a supportive environment where teachers can focus on effective teaching methods without the constraints of traditional school settings.

The initiative will initially support 15 students, with the possibility of expanding to include additional participants based on need. The program will maintain a low teacher-to-student ratio to ensure personalized attention and effective mentoring.

“We’re excited about the potential of this program,” Brown said. “It’s not just about addressing immediate educational needs but also about creating a foundation for long-term success. By fostering a positive learning environment and addressing various challenges that students face, we hope to see significant improvements in their academic performance and overall well-being.”

The program is tentatively scheduled to begin in October, aligning with the start of the school year. Brown anticipates that this timing will allow the program to identify students in need and begin providing support before the end of the first semester.

“We’re also exploring potential facilities for the program, including the Charles E. Warford Center, which could offer a comprehensive community setting,” Brown said. “Our aim is to create a space where students feel motivated and supported, with access to various resources that enhance their learning experience.”

Regarding transportation, Brown noted that the program will seek to address this need through community support and potential additional funding. “We’re committed to ensuring that transportation is not a barrier to participation,” he said. “If necessary, we will find ways to provide transportation or work with parents to ensure that students can attend.”

The grant from the Amarillo Area Foundation is valued at $20,000, which will sustain the program for an entire year, covering expenses such as teacher salaries, facility costs, and other necessary resources. Brown is optimistic that this initial funding will demonstrate the program’s impact and potentially lead to further support from the Foundation and other donors.

“This grant is a significant step forward,” Brown said. “It enables us to start making a difference in the lives of these students. We’re committed to being transparent and accountable, showing our progress and successes to secure ongoing support and expand our reach.”

For more information or to get involved, visit Be Blessed By The Vessel .

For more on the foundation, visit https://amarilloareafoundation.org/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Tremaine Brown receives grant to launch tutoring and mentoring initiative