5 for Good: PieRSquared offers free math tutoring from volunteer experts
Based in Roxbury's Dudley Square, program helps with homework, provides safe space
Based in Roxbury's Dudley Square, program helps with homework, provides safe space
Based in Roxbury's Dudley Square, program helps with homework, provides safe space
On any given afternoon, students wait to enter a small restaurant space inside the Boston Public Schools headquarters in Roxbury’s Dudley Square. They’re eager to get in and start their math homework.
This has been part of Daniela Baez’s routine for five years.
"I wouldn't say that I love math,” Baez said. “I would say that my liking to math has grown since coming here." ‘Here’ is PieRSquared, a free math tutoring program. Founder and director Beth Segers works in finance. A volunteer tutor for 30 years, before starting PieRSquared five years ago, she spent her free time at various schools.
"My father was a mathematician,” Segers said. “I was relaxed with math because we did it at night at the kitchen table. I realized as I got older that that was rare, and I thought I could give that to other people."
Segers said her goal is access to quality education for all. She called it a matter of social justice. Her long-held dream has been to pair free tutoring with free pizza. At first, slices were served at PieRSquared. Unfortunately, the restaurant that provided the pie didn't last, but PieRSquared did due in large part to incredible volunteers.
"We were flooded with wonderful tutors,” Segers said. “Many with Ph.D.s. We have physicists. We have mathematicians, scientists."
Students choose to attend the program and often progress to high-level mathematics. Volunteer tutor Alviah Mahmoud said a key part of the equation is the bonds that form.
"While young people are at a place in their lives where they're forging different relationships and types of relationships, a learning relationship with adults, caring adults, is important," Mahmoud said.
Though the pizza ovens are cold for now, hot food is always served. Segers called the snacks a warm welcome.
Lorraine Smith, lovingly called “Mama Smith," happily dishes out the food. She said Segers has created something very special.
"She tutored my son,” Smith said. “Now she is tutoring his 12-year-old and 6-year-old daughters. This is a safe haven. It's a home away from home for them."
Segers said her hope is to fire up the pizza ovens again. She first needs to secure a long-term lease with the city. Over the years, PieRSquared has served more than 800 students from 60 schools.