California State Library / Pacific Library Partnership
SAN MATEO, Calif. – All California students in grades K-12 now have access to free online tutoring and homework help offered by California’s public libraries through the HelpNow Program, which is administered by Pacific Library Partnership (PLP), in partnership with the California State Library and Brainfuse.
The HelpNow Program ensures all California students can have access to high quality tutoring and homework help regardless of such barriers as high cost of tutoring, technology requirements, time constraints, transportation hurdles and other issues. With HelpNow, the goal is to even the playing field for all students, to ensure equity not just with tutoring but in overall educational attainment, especially for those with limited resources and access.
“More than 240,000 California students are already taking advantage of the free, top-notch, 24-7 tutoring,” said Greg Lucas, State Librarian of California State Library. “Let’s make it easier for even more to take advantage of this impactful service.”
Students and families can get help by going to the HelpNow website Tutoring.Library.ca.gov, selecting their local library and then following the easy instructions. Students do not need a library card to access the program.
“No longer do students have to physically meet with a tutor,” said Justin Wasterlain, Assistant Director, PLP. “By going to the HelpNow website, students can access an expert tutor and get help immediately – anywhere, anytime, as long as they have access to an internet connected computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Students with no internet or computer at home can go to their local library to use the computers there.”
The tutors are highly qualified subject-matter specialists holding college degrees – at least a bachelor’s degree – and certifications in the area they tutor. They are selected only after a thorough review of their qualifications and proficiency in their subject area as well as interviewed to determine their ability to work with students in an online environment.
Additionally, tutoring support is available in multiple languages breaking down language barriers and making for a personalized learning experience for all California students. Languages served are English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
The tutoring platform is secure and has features to protect families’ privacy and security. Individual users are not required to create an account or provide personal information to receive assistance, providing an additional layer of privacy.
This program is supported with funds provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
