Third Church’s Immigrant and Refugee Tutoring program began in 2005.
It has now grown to 125 students in all school grades from PreK-12 receiving one-on-one help on homework assignments.
Currently most students come from Arabic-speaking families, but we have a growing number of Afghan families and others from Africa and Latin America.
We invite you to be a part of this special program!
Free homework help!
This program serves 125 children from many countries who now make their home in the Richmond area.
Wednesdays 6:45–7:45 p.m.
Students from preschool through high school are each matched with a tutor for one-on-one help to understand and complete homework assignments.
Parents! English Conversation practice or Beginning English classes are available during the tutoring sessions with a nursery provided for children under the age of four.
Upcoming dates
Fall 2025 Semester: September 10 – November 19, 2025
Spring 2026 Semester: January 14 – March 25, 2026
Interested in tutoring?
Join our team of volunteers!
no experience necessary
As a tutor, you have the opportunity to meet one-on-one each week with a child to support them, encourage them, and help them in their studies.
We currently serve Arabic-speaking families as well as Afghan families and others from Africa and Latin America. Students have varying levels of fluency, but most are proficient in English.
This is not just homework help; this is your opportunity to touch the world. Here are three ways to serve:
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Weekly tutors are the core of our program. Be matched with the same student each week and build a deeper relationship with your student and their family.
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This is for those interested in being a regular tutor but unable to attend at least eight sessions during the semester. Tag team with a partner of your choosing to tutor one student together all year.
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This works well for those whose schedule doesn’t allow for a weekly commitment but who can fill a great need of 8–10 Subs per week with any student who needs it.
If you would like to serve weekly, but are unable to come on Wednesday evenings, we occasionally have students who request a virtual or offsite tutor. Contact Ellen for more information.
All tutors must:
Attend a training session on September 4, September 6, or September 13 in the Fellowship Hall at Third Church.
Submit References
For adult tutors, a background check and child protection training is required.
Interested in hearing more? Click here.
Meet the Tutoring Team
Questions? Email us at tutoring@thirdrva.org.
Program Coordinator
Ellen Duerksen
Resource Librarian
Jen Harper
Beginning English teacher
Don Smith
Welcome Team
Emily Sherman, Adrienne Tate, Kristen Emerson, and Keli Hodnett