As part of our efforts to better understand our impact and continue strengthening our work, we recently gathered feedback from tutors, scholars, families, and funders about their experiences with DTP. Their reflections pointed to something powerful – this work is making a real difference. Across the responses, a few themes came through clearly: growing confidence, the importance of consistency, and the value of feeling supported and cared for.
One of the strongest themes was confidence. Families shared that tutoring is helping scholars feel more capable in school and more comfortable asking for help when needed. One scholar shared, “It helps me get better grades because when I don’t know something, [my tutor] helps me understand better using different tools and helps me to be more confident in asking for help.” Another family member reflected, “My child has become more confident, and I believe he speaks up more at school and advocates for himself with his teachers when he needs help.”
We also heard how much consistency and care matter. Families described the sessions as warm and welcoming and shared how ongoing support has helped build trust and confidence over time. One family member wrote, “The consistency of the tutoring has helped build my son’s confidence.” Another shared, “The weekly tutoring sessions are warm and welcoming. The Jemicy summer camp was an amazing experience for my granddaughter; she still talks about the activities and the new friends she met.”
Tutors echoed many of those same themes, particularly the value of strong support, meaningful relationships, and the flexibility to serve scholars well. One tutor shared, “DTP has been working well for me since 2018. The current initiatives will make our collaboration even more productive.” Another reflected, “My initial contact with my student worked very well. DTP also makes a large effort to thank volunteers. That is much appreciated!” Others highlighted the efforts they feel from DTP behind the scenes, with one tutor simply sharing, “I have received great support.”
Funders also spoke to the value of investing in this work and the difference they can see it making. One supporter wrote, “The work is crucial and I have been so fortunate to establish a long-term relationship with the organization and my student”. Another shared, “You provide a service that is often taken for granted and the results are tremendous.” And one funder captured the heart of the program in a simple but powerful way: “The look of happiness on the students’ faces. And the appreciation their families have for DTP.”
By Josaiah Bonwell – Outcomes & Impact Coordinator