Academic Coaching And Mentoring Program (ACAMP):

In 1995, ACELA founded ACAMP (Academic Coaching and Mentoring Program). ACAMP is the only Penn tutoring program in North Philadelphia, a predominantly Latino neighborhood. Tutors from ACELA go to the Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) in North Philadelphia to serve as tutors and mentors to kids between ages 6 and 18. ACAMP allows for Penn students to reach out to the North Philadelphia community through serving as important mentors to the students in the NSNP After School Program.

History of ACAMP:
In 1995, ACAMP was founded by ACELA. ACELA in partnership with La Casa Latina and CIVIC house provide outreach to Latino/a high school students. The tutoring program initially started out as a program geared towards middle school students in North Philadelphia, which is a predominantly Latino neighborhood. ACAMP specifically provided 4th-6th grade students with academic support and reinforcement, established a long-term relationship with the students, instilled within students a stronger motivation to continue with their education and to excel to their fullest potential, and provided students with a first-hand look at the college experience.

Today, ACAMP no longer just works with middle school students, but also with elementary and high school students. We focus on the "Academic" aspect of ACAMP through assisting with their homework and projects. We turn towards the "Mentoring" part of the program by helping with small arts and crafts activities that are both fun and educational.

How Do I Become An ACAMPer:
ACAMP runs once a week from 3:00-6:00pm. The day(s) vary by semester according to schedules but the time is always 3-6pm. Transportation is provided. Becoming an ACAMPer is open to the entire University. You don't have to be Latino, speak Spanish, or even be a part of ACELA to volunteer. The program is a perfect place to give back to the community as well as creating a close friendship between the students and ACAMPers. If you would like to learn more or to volunteer, contac the ACAMP coordinator, Marco Varela, at mvvarela@wharton.upenn.edu.

Norris Square Neighborhood Project:
Norris Square Neighborhood Project is a non-profit, community-run, multi-cultural, bilingual, urban, environmental and cultural learning center. Located on the east side of Norris Square Park, NSNP provides a safe environment for children and families to come to meet, learn, exchange ideas, and solve problems by working together.
NSNP's youth programs cater to 50 children daily between the ages of 6 and 18. NSNP serves the working parent of these children by providing a safe and supervised environment for the children during the standard workday. The NSNP After School Program is a low cost service to local families and strives to engage youth in educational and character enhancement programs. From these services, children build self-esteem and coping skills that enable them to make positive life choices. The youth NSNP targets reside in households in the West Kensington area of Philadelphia.

For more information on the NSNP, please visit http://nsnp.com/