The Michael Anderson Learning Center is the latest tutoring program that will help students succeed academically in Chester.

The program is geared toward students in the Chester Upland School District who attend schools struggling to make adequately yearly progress (AYP).

The center is the latest program to team up with Supplemental Education Services (SES).

SES is a Pennsylvania Department of Education Title I program offered to Pennsylvania schools that did not meet proficiency for the State Assessment (PSSA) for three or more years.

“I want to give the youth something that they can build on in regards to their future, which is why education is important because it will help them succeed in life,” said Michael Anderson, CEO of the Michael Anderson Learning Center. “The tutoring program is a good way to build on that.”

The goal of the center is to partner with the district, teachers and parents to strengthen knowledge and skills, and help set high academic goals for students. Services will be provided to students K–12. The center will be located at the YWCA in Chester and will be starting in the next few weeks.

“I was approached by Michael Anderson and Leo McDaniel Sr. to help them establish a center in Chester,” said Cheryle Allen-Spells, program director of the Michael Anderson Learning Center. “After speaking with them, I was delighted to help. I was born and raised in Chester, and I am a product of the Chester Upland School District. As citizens, we take pride in our children and their education.

“We just want to help prepare students for college, trades and to be successful in the work place,” she added. “Our task is to creatively provide extra assistance in reading, writing and math, and to help build strong study skills and work habits. We want to help teachers and parents to challenge students to reach academic goals, and this program is the best way to achieve that goal.”

The center curriculum will include mentorship and helping students in reading, writing, study skills and math. The center will also have qualified tutors and small group instruction. The curriculum will be aligned with Pennsylvania State standards.  

“The goal of the tutoring center is for students to improve their scores when they take the state exams,” Anderson said. “This is not your typical tutoring program; this program is geared more towards helping students succeed when they take these exams. If more students are prepared to take these tests, I do believe that more schools will make AYP.

“A program like this will help students improve their scores, but we are also trying to be mentors as well,” she added. “We’re trying to be an outlet for these kids to succeed both academically and personally. Kids today don’t see enough positive role models, so we’re also trying to be that for them as well as help them succeed academically.”

For more information on the Michael Anderson Learning Center, call (267) 718-7300 or visit malearning.org.