Lexington, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Lexington has initiated several free tutoring programs to support students’ academic needs, especially at the start of the school year. Organized by One Lexington and supported by community volunteers, these sessions aim to help Fayette County Public Schools students aged 10 and older maintain their academic progress. Meanwhile, the Carnegie Center continues to seek volunteers for its long-standing tutoring program. These efforts come at a crucial time as educational challenges increase, highlighting the community’s dedication to assisting students in need.
Lexington is witnessing significant support for its students through free tutoring initiatives aimed at addressing educational needs, particularly at the start of the school year. One Lexington recently organized a free tutoring session at the Charles Young Community Center for Fayette County Public Schools students aged 10 and older. The tutoring ran from 9 to 11 a.m., welcoming all eligible students. Organizers encouraged community members to volunteer for the sessions, requiring no pre-registration to participate, thus promoting a spirit of collaboration and community involvement.
The tutoring sessions were sponsored by Club Z, which specializes in educational services, while One Lexington provided the venue. Tania Walker, an organizer of the tutoring events, highlighted the critical importance of maintaining students’ academic progress at the beginning of the school year.
The Carnegie Center in downtown Lexington has also been seeking volunteers for its well-established tutoring program, which has been operating for over three decades. This program caters to students from kindergarten up to 12th grade, relying on volunteers from the community to facilitate learning. All potential tutors must undergo thorough background checks, with training provided to ensure they are prepared to offer educational support. The primary criterion for becoming a tutor is a genuine desire to mentor children.
Stacy Martin, a third grader who participated in the Carnegie Center’s program, has shown notable improvement in her reading skills due to her tutoring sessions. Her great-grandmother noted the boost in Stacy’s confidence as directly linked to the support she received from her tutor, reinforcing the positive impact of such initiatives.
Holly Farthing, the director of tutoring at the Carnegie Center, reported widespread appreciation from families taking part in the program, which offers numerous heartwarming success stories. Due to overwhelming interest, the Carnegie Center employs a random lottery system to select students for tutoring, while others are placed on a waiting list, with limited resources contributing to the need for such a system. The director expressed regret at having to turn away children in need of support due to these restrictions.
In Eastern Kentucky, the Hindman Settlement School provides vital tutoring services for children with dyslexia, but is grappling with recent funding cuts. Affected by budget reductions, the Americorps program, which has supported nearly 1,000 children with learning differences across the state, is facing significant financial setbacks due to changes at the federal level.
The demand for after-school and summer learning programs has surged, especially in the context of educational disruptions stemming from COVID-19. In response to these challenges, the Kentucky state government, led by Governor Andy Beshear, has initiated legal action against the federal government to restore funding to Americorps. This lawsuit underscores the state’s commitment to preserving essential educational support for its residents.
Combs Weinberg, an advocate for education, has underscored the historical necessity of public education and the resources required to assist socioeconomically disadvantaged children. The emphasis on educational support aligns with the growing need for community involvement and volunteer efforts to address the diverse learning needs of students in Lexington and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the tutoring initiative hosted by One Lexington?
The purpose of the initiative is to provide free academic support to Fayette County Public Schools students aged 10 and older, helping them stay on track with their grades at the beginning of the school year.
Who can volunteer to tutor students?
Community members can volunteer without any pre-registration; they are encouraged to come and help tutor students during the sessions.
How is the Carnegie Center’s tutoring program structured?
The Carnegie Center’s tutoring program serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and relies on community volunteers. Tutors undergo background checks and receive training before working with students.
What are the selection criteria for students wanting to join the Carnegie Center’s program?
Due to high demand, students are selected through a random lottery system. Those who are not selected are placed on a waiting list.
What challenges is the Hindman Settlement School facing?
The Hindman Settlement School is experiencing funding cuts, which affect its ability to provide tutoring services for children with dyslexia.
Key Features of Tutoring Initiatives in Lexington
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Tutoring | Offered to Fayette County Public Schools students aged 10 and up. |
| Location | Charles Young Community Center, coordinated by One Lexington. |
| Volunteer Opportunities | No sign-up required; community volunteers encouraged to assist in tutoring. |
| Carnegie Center Program | Established for over 30 years and requires background checks and training for tutors. |
| Lottery System | Used to select students for tutoring due to high demand, with a waiting list in place. |
| Funding Challenges | Hindman Settlement School facing cuts affecting its tutoring for dyslexic children. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- LEX18: One Lexington Hosts Free Tutoring Session
- LEX18: Carnegie Center Seeks Volunteers
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on Education Support
- Obituary for Phyllis Brooks
- Wikipedia: Tutoring
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
