GO’s Mission
We believe:
Every child needs a champion.
Every child can achieve success in school and life.
Every student deserves access to fair and equitable education support.
GO's team of experienced educators provides free one-on-one tutoring and mentorship to economically disadvantaged ICSD students in grades two through eight. GO tutors integrate themselves into all facets of their student's academic experience and advocate for their well-being. The professional, individualized tutoring, social-emotional guidance, and enrichment services provided to students and caregivers ensure that every participant feels seen, heard, and supported.
GO Students Receive 4,200 Hours of Additional Academic Support
Students are referred to GO based on their academic and financial needs. Once paired with a private tutor at no cost, students embark on a journey that lasts through middle school. Each student receives two one-hour tutoring sessions per week over 30 weeks, resulting in 60 additional hours of individualized academic support and care in a safe and nurturing after-school environment. Tutoring takes place on-site at the child's school, facilitating a smooth end-of-day transition for students. This consistent support profoundly impacts a child's academic trajectory.
"My son is ready to step up to the challenge of middle school, and I really thank his tutor for that. She’s really helped us a lot - I’m a single mother, and I’m really grateful for the support and consistency."—Parent of 5th-grade GO Student
GO Tutors Build Relationships & Create Opportunities
The additional academic and social-emotional support from a reliable role model is critical for the future of our most vulnerable students. GO tutors meet with classroom teachers at the start of the year to set learning goals for their students. They observe students in the classroom and attend curriculum nights and parent-teacher conferences. This individualized system of support ensures that each child's academic needs are met. Beyond one-on-one tutoring, GO tutors serve as mentors. They bridge the gap between home and school, partnering with parents and caregivers to provide enrichment opportunities for the family. Whether tickets to a play, a sporting event, a museum visit, or sponsorship for swimming or music lessons, this added level of trust, support, and opportunity transforms students' attitudes toward school, their community, and life.
GO Provides Fair and Equitable Access to Participation
For over 19 years, GO has delivered free tutoring to ICSD's marginalized student population without barriers to participation—leveling the playing field for up to 75 students per year. Each year, GO renews its commitment to providing free one-on-one tutoring to low-income students struggling to meet grade-level benchmarks. The need for free academic support and mentorship has grown more critical with the increased demand for support services. While our community takes pride in its diversity, it also brings significant disparities to light. GO students deserve access to educational resources but face numerous barriers.
For 14 years, GO students were transported home via ICSD bus after their tutoring sessions, ensuring a smooth end-of-day transition for students whose families have limited access to transportation. When the district suspended bus service in 2019, GO found creative ways to continue supporting students, including partnering with Ithaca Carshare and hiring private drivers to transport students home at 3 pm. Each year has brought new challenges and from them, new initiatives to ensure uninterrupted tutoring. Some ICSD after-school programs have agreed to accept GO students at no cost, and many students participate in the GO Club—a program that provides community, friendship, and healthy snacks for students at the end of the economic scale.