Tutoring Guidelines

The RISE Program is a partnership between the Caltech Y, Caltech, and the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD). The Caltech Y administers a tutoring and college preparation program on behalf of Caltech. Students in grades 8-12 must commit to at least one year of participation in the program. The students receive weekly tutoring in their math and science courses as well as CAHSEE and SAT test preparation.
The RISE Program will also sponsor college information and several visits to local area colleges including community colleges and public and private four year colleges.

Student Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the RISE Program, a student must:

1. Be enrolled the Pasadena Unified School District
2. Be eligible for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program

How is the Tutoring Program set up

1. There are two main tutoring classes as indicated below. All classes take place between 4pm and 6pm but are in different locations. (Check the schedule below.)

   Tutoring Class Schedule and Locations
   
   

   • Monday/ Wednesday class location:Caltech Y Office
   
   
   • Tuesday/ Thursday class location:Winnett Building (2nd floor)

2. Students are assigned to small groups for tutoring according to math and science subjects that they are taking. Consideration is also given to students who are from the same schools or are in the same classes.
3. The RISE tutors are undergraduate and graduate students as well as volunteer scientists (interns or staff) from the Caltech community.
4. Before starting any classes, students and families must make sure that all application forms are completed and that student and parents have met with the RISE Coordinator either in an orientation setting or an individual meeting. Individual meetings are made by appointment only.

RISE Program Application Process

1. To apply for the RISE Program, please contact your PUSD counselor, math teacher or science teacher for information. Applications are only accepted upon approval from counselors and teachers.

2. The following forms must be completed and returned to the RISE Coordinator in order to initiate the process of matching your student with a tutor.
1. The Student Nomination and Academic Information Form
2. The Student Information and Schedule Form
3. The Student and Family Commitment Form
   • *Note: Applications may be faxed (626-395-8890), mailed, or dropped off at the Caltech Y office. If you need directions, please call the office at 626.395.3180. (See About Us page for mailing and physical address) Please address all materials to Alycen Chan.

3. Once an opening is available due to tutor availability, the family will be contacted to meet with the Program Coordinator before entering the program. There are several purposes to the meeting:
1. We want to answer any questions or address any concerns that the student or family may have.
2. We want to provide the student and family with a better idea of what to expect from the program
3. We want to get a better idea of what the students needs are beyond what is written in the nomination form
4. All parent/guardians must sign a Parental Waiver and Release Form.