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Tutoring

The RISE Program

The RISE Program is an afterschool math and science-focused tutoring program that serves public school students between grades 8 and 12. The tutoring takes place on the Caltech campus on a weekly basis and is provided by Caltech undergraduate and graduate students. The program is designed to help students gain greater competency in math foundations, improve skills in math and science and prepare students for college-level math and science.

The tutoring is set up in small groups (average ratio of 1 tutor: 2 students) and students are matched with tutors based on student courses and tutor preferences. A typical session can range from homework help or studying for a class test to preparing for the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) and the math portion of the SATs. Therefore it is of utmost importance that students come prepared with a strong work ethic, a positive and open attitude as well as all materials (books, notes, assignments, etc).

If you are an interested student, please review all information starting from the pink section entitled "Student Eligibility Requirements".

Tutor Information

If you are a Caltech student who is interested in becoming a tutor, please review the tutor information before applying. You can drop off the application or email Alycen Chan at rise@caltech.edu.

Information for Tutors

Application for Tutors

Tutor Calendar

Student Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Rise Program, each student must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a student between the 8th grade and 11th grade (12th grade students should only be returning students)
  2. Be enrolled in a public school (including charter schools) within a 10 mile radius of the California Institute of Technology (or a reasonable driving distance to be on time)
  3. Be receiving a C+ or lower in math and/or science or experiencing steadily declining grades in math and/or science.
  4. Have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above.  
  5. Be a student with a commitment to working hard, completing homework and “doing whatever it takes” to be a better student in math and science and a successful college graduate.

Tutoring Schedule and Location

Tutoring Schedule:
Tutoring is offered 4 days a week Mondays through Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students must attend 2 days a week. The staff will work with students and families to try to accomodate different schedules.

You can view session dates on the Tutoring Calendar below:

Tutoring Calendar

Location:
The tutoring room is called the Winnett Lounge. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Winnett Student Center above the Caltech Campus Bookstore. 

Student Pick-up and Drop-off:
Students should be dropped off and picked up at the corner of Holliston Ave. and San Pasqual St.

 

Participation Fees

The student participation fees are for administrative costs (program staff, materials, room set-up and custodial) and are not reflective of the tutoring service. The tutoring service is free of charge and will continue to be provided by Caltech students. 

Below is the fee structure. We accept cash, credit cards or check (payable to the Caltech Y):

    1. Application Fee: $15
    2. Annual Participation Fee: $200
    3. Payments: Payments can be made in 1 or 2 installments within 30 days of start date. (If you require installments over a longer period of time due to financial difficulty, please speak to a staff member during enrollment.)

Application Timeline

October 1 –February 15                Open Enrollment

Applications are online and open enrollment for all (returning and new) students and will remain open until February.

October 1 until November 15      Priority Enrollment

Returning students who have good status (consistent attendance and positive ratings from program) will have priority status. Returning student applications will be processed first if there are a limited number of spaces in the program. All other applications will be placed on a waiting list until space becomes available.

 

Student Application Forms and Guidelines

If you would like to apply to participate in the Rise Program, please print out the necessary forms and make sure that all items on the checklist(s) are completed before submitting your application. Please call to make an appointment prior to submitting your application in person. (See submission guidelines below.)

General Application Checklist (click here for forms 1-3)                               

  1. Application Cover Form
  2. Academic Authorization Form
  3. Commitment Form
  4. Unofficial Transcript (from school)
  5. Enrollment Survey (new students only)
  6. Teacher recommendation (new students only)

Application submission guidelines

 

Each student and at least one parent/guaridan must come to an orientation meeting prior to the first day of tutoring. For the meeting, please do one of the following:

1. Make an appointment:

Appointments are available Mondays- Fridays

October through February

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2. Come to our Open Office Hours:

1st Friday in October to 2nd Friday in November

3:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.

*Bring the application with you to the meeting. At the orientation meeting, there will be a discussion of the student’s needs and parents are asked to sign a Waiver of Release and Liability to complete enrollment.

 

What happens after I submit my application?

 

The program staff will work to make the best match for the student based on tutor and schedule availability.

  1. Students and parents will be notified by email or phone of the tutor match and start date.
  2. Students should arrive to the first session with all materials (books, notes, assignments, etc) and ready to discuss their academic and classroom situation so that tutors can more efficiently work with them.