myBama
Honors College
A group of Honors students and middle schoolers smile. One person holds a sign that reads, "Mathtastic."

Engage Tuscaloosa

Engage Tuscaloosa is dedicated to strengthening the Tuscaloosa community through education and mentorship. By fostering a culture of civic engagement within Honors College students, Engage Tuscaloosa addresses the needs of the Tuscaloosa community through partnerships with local schools and nonprofits. By meshing Honors College students, the Tuscaloosa community and mentorship programs, Engage Tuscaloosa is preparing students to make a difference in the world.

Engage Tuscaloosa

A student smiles and holds up a miniature whiteboard in front of two middle school children.

MathTastic

An Honors student reads to a group of children.

BRIGHT

An Honors student reads to a group of children.

READ

Opportunities

Boys Book Club
  • Help elementary school boys discover a joy of reading through interesting and relevant books. Volunteers will read aloud and walk students through fun and engaging discussion.
  • Boys Book Club is for male volunteer participation only.
BRIGHT
  • BRIGHT introduces pre-school and kindergarten students to STEM concepts through experiments and interactive lessons. Experiments range from making clouds with shaving cream to constructing pendulums. Within the BRIGHT program, Honors College students show young Tuscaloosa students how math and science can be fun.
  • Honors College students can participate in BRIGHT through a class (UH 270) for academic credit or by volunteering.
MathTastic
  • MathTastic works to forge real relationships by leading engaging math tutoring sessions for middle school students. Through high quality and individualized tutoring, you can help students to gain new confidence in their skills in mathematics and be better prepared for high school and college.
  • MathTastic participation is for volunteers only.
MathTastic Jr.
  • Help us create a fun and playful learning environment for 4th and 5th grade students. We focus on teaching math skills and how they are applicable outside of the classroom. We work with students who will be moving up to the middle school where MathTastic works to help lay a firmer math foundation.
  • MathTastic Jr. participation is volunteer only.
NoteABLE
  • NoteABLE is an initiative that empowers local 4th and 5th graders by teaching basic music theory using the recorder instrument. No prior music experience is required.
  • NoteABLE participation is for volunteers only.
READ
  • READ works to build literacy and encourage lifelong learning in the Tuscaloosa community through group mentoring. The READ program matches Honors College mentors with local students. The team works together by reading books, thinking critically, and engaging in interactive lesson plans aimed at fostering a love of reading and learning. This program works with students from kindergarten through middle school.
  • Honors College students can participate in READ by volunteering directly.
Rising Writers
  • The Rising Writers mission is to improve writing proficiency and promote college readiness by building relationships between the Honors College and high school students while providing individualized writing guidance to maximize growth. We are looking for strong writers (particularly those who have taken or have credit for EN 101 and 102) willing and able to devote one morning a week to work one-on-one with a local student on their in-class writing projects.
  • Rising Writers participation is for volunteers only.

How to Get Involved

There are two ways to get involved in one or more of the Engage Tuscaloosa programs, through an Honors College class or by volunteering. Students taking a UH 270 course participate in either BRIGHT or Reading Allies, a local nonprofit, as part of the class. All programs rely on volunteers. Our programs offer a variety of subject matter and grade levels to work with so finding a way to give back to local students while matching your interests and passions are easy to find. Check the program descriptions for details.

What is involved
  •       A background check
  •       Attend training
  •       A commitment to attend all sessions
  •       Adhere to dress code which includes a supplied t-shirt
  •       Have fun, make a new friend and change the life of a local student
  •       Carpooling will be arranged.

At the start of each semester, look for Engage Tuscaloosa information in the Honors College newsletter and at table displays at Bama Bound and in Honors Hall and other locations. Fill out the form below to join our email list to receive updates and application information. Contact Student Director Anna Moorman with any questions.