Rothenberg Preparatory Academy Principal Alesia Smith discusses the importance of tutoring and the need for more volunteer tutors at a recent “Be the Change” press conference. Photo by Dan Yount. The Strive Partnership, United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools and others are teaming up for the second straight year to recruit reading and math tutors through the “Be the Change” tutor recruitment campaign.

The effort will build on last year’s success in recruiting hundreds of volunteer reading and math tutors for students in highneed elementary schools throughout the CPS district.

In addition to last year’s success, Be the Change has placed more than 100 tutors in schools throughout CPS this year. This includes 52 tutors from Knowledge- Works Foundation, 3CDC, and Taft, Stettinius & Hollister law firm who volunteer at Rothenberg Academy in Over-the-Rhine and five from Michelman, Inc. who tutor at Silverton Paideia School.

Be the Change officially launched its tutor recruitment efforts for the 2011-12 school year with a volunteer celebration and recruitment event Jan.12 at Rothenberg Academy, 2120 Vine St.

“We wanted to maintain a campaign to bring the adults in our city into the academic lives of our stu dents,” said CPS Superintendent Mary Ronan. “The impact of one-on-one tutoring is just phenomenal.” "United Way is pleased to be a partner in this important effort that will further enhance student success. Be the Change is one way we can work every day to create a better life for all by focusing on education as one of the critical building blocks for that better life. Tutors make a huge difference in students’ lives," said Robert C. Reifsnyder, President, United Way of Greater Cincinnati.

“We know that when a student establishes a relationship with a tutor in key areas such as reading and math, the likelihood of that student performing better increases dramatically,” said KnowledgeWorks President and CEO Brian Ross. “I’m encouraged by the willingness of the Knowledge- Works staff and the staffs of our partners to give their time to positively impact learning for Rothenberg and other CPS students.”

According to data from the Ohio Department of Education, fourth-grade test scores in reading and math improved over the previous year by 7.5 and 5.3 percentage points, respectively, in 2010-11.

Interested volunteers should contact BeTheChange@StriveTogether.org or call 513-929- 1343. An online application form is available at: http:// www.strivetogether.org/bethe change/