Customized Tutor Training Brings Solutions for High-Risk Urban Students; NCTEA Brings Tutor Training to A CCLASS ACT at Southeast DC's First Baptist Church.

Business Editors/Education Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 7, 2003

The National Center for Training and Educational Assistance (NCTEA) LLC., a network of experienced educational service providers, announced today it will bring a complete customized tutor training effort to Ward 7 of Washington, DC -- one of the nation's highest need communities. The effort will be funded by a grant from the United States Department of Labor.

NCTEA will combine its Tutor Trek(TM) professional tutor training and business skills for tutors in support of A CCLASS ACT, an initiative by the Southeast DC First Baptist Church's Education and Outreach Ministry. A CCLASS ACT, which focuses on Careers, Character, Leadership, Aesthetics, Scholarship and Service (CCLASS) works to strengthen the academic achievement of community students by increasing youth standardized test scores, graduation rates and employment.

"Trained tutors can make a big difference in the academic achievement of students in high-need urban areas," said Dr. Kelley Brock, CEO of NCTEA. "Our Tutor Trek products identify what tutors need to know in providing tutoring to students living and learning in urban neighborhoods."

The efforts at A CCLASS Act follows a trend of faith-based and community-based initiatives set forth in the Bush Administration's "No Child Left Behind," to utilize churches to help solve issues facing communities. NCTEA will lead a team consisting of volunteers and professionals from area colleges and universities to provide tutoring, mentoring, homework assistance and study skill instruction.

"This is a great opportunity to utilize an important part of the Ward 7 community and get students and volunteers excited about making a difference," said Annabelle Strayhorn, the director of First Baptist Church's Education and Outreach Ministry. "Working with NCTEA and area schools, our church will play an even greater role in shifting these students' future. Every child can learn and grants like this give us the opportunity to work with organizations focusing on improving tutoring while improving lifetime success for Ward 7 residents."

The grant is from the US Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA). DOLETA seeks to build up the labor market by training the workforce and to increase the placement of workers through employment services. Its efforts are focused toward directing adults, youth, dislocated workers and workforce professionals to training and employment.

"Tutoring can only be effective if the tutors understand that often times parents don't understand how to work with their child's school or know how to help their child with homework," concluded Brock. "To provide the necessary skills for helping ensure student success in school and beyond, it takes tutors well trained in tutoring a child in an urban community and above all an understanding that every child can learn - regardless if they live in a high risk area or not."

ABOUT NCTEA: The National Center for Training and Educational Assistance is a network of experienced educational supplemental service providers committed to ensuring America's students are well educated by assisting teachers, tutors and organizations. NCTEA's mission is to ensure the success of all of America's students by working with parents, schools, communities, corporations and all levels of government. The point of NCTEA's efforts is to facilitate educational services for a variety of audiences including schools, tutor organizations and community groups. NCTEA builds custom programs, develops specialized materials, connect businesses who can help each other and train tutors with one goal in mind - helping the thousand of students who need supplemental assistance get the education they need. For more information visit www.nctea.com, email at: [e-mail] or call 202-237-6567.