Having a space available for students to do their homework and get free tutoring when needed has been a dream of mine for several years. As my daughters progressed through high school and then college, I realized the advantages that were there for those who were blessed with a family where one parent did not have to work, or was able to work hours that allowed them to be available for their children, or blessed with the money to get assistance for areas of study that were difficult. Unfortunately, most students don’t fall into that category and their academic experience is one thing that has a profound impact on their future.

At The MAX, middle and high school students can do their homework in a (mostly) quiet place under the supervision of adults who are available and willing to give assistance when needed. Some of the adults are teachers who have been with students all day and then go directly to THE MAX and sit with students for another hour and a half before going home to their families. Other adults come directly from jobs where they have been for eight to ten hours. Still others are college students who come from a great distance to be there. Everyone at The MAX has made a commitment to the lives of the students who walk in the door. We are fortunate to have the resources to recruit FREE tutors for all subjects, even the most advanced math and science courses. The father of one of the first students to attend The MAX contacted us after desperately searching for a Physics tutor for his son. After two tutoring sessions, he was very excited when he told me that he was now approaching a B in his class (with a 79.6%) because of the help he received! His grade matters academically but also athletically as a failing grade would mean ineligibility in his sport.

It is not uncommon for students to show up early and stay late. It is also not uncommon to overhear conversations that extend beyond the subject being studied between adults and students or students and their peers - connections are made at The MAX. So, last week as I sat looking around the building where there were 10 bodies at the table all doing homework - some working and some tutoring - I thought, this is student ministry. This is what we are supposed to be doing...getting to know students - who they are, where they struggle or excel, what they love or hate and to let them know they have a place they can go where adults are there to sit with them, encourage them, and get to know them.

The MAX resumes on Wednesday, January 16 from 5-6 p.m. All services at The MAX are free of charge.

Get help or help out:

• Reserve specific subject tutors:  tutoring@montrosechurch.org
• Sign up to provide snacks/dinner for the students: communityimpact@montrosechurch.org
• Learn more about The MAX