Tutoring is typically one of the most rewarding in-person service experiences for Academy men.

While the “in-person” part has been temporarily stopped, CBA students have shifted to serving as virtual tutors for local children.

“It is greatly humbling to have these children turn to us for tutoring,” Ryan Peduto ’21 said. “The need for this kind of community outreach has been heightened during the pandemic, and the importance of early education is huge.”

For several years now, CBA has partnered with the Red Bank Charter School to assist with after school tutoring. Academy men have regularly visited Red Bank Charter before this year, and while they are now working through a computer screen, a similar impact has been felt.

Nearly 25 CBA students connect with their young counterpart at least once per week and some tutor more than one child. The Red Bank Charter students range from kindergarten to eighth grade.

“One of the most rewarding parts of tutoring my students is seeing them finally get the hang of the lesson,” Michael Mulvey ’21 said. “This makes me feel like I have done something positive for someone who is less fortunate than me.”

The CBA volunteers have seen their students grow not only academically, but also with their self-confidence.

“At first, my student would sit silently as I tried to get him to read, but now he is not afraid to get answers wrong and has even taken an interest in my personal life,” Mason Garber ’21 said. “I have noticed that he has become drastically more confident and comfortable working with me.”

Peduto knows that tutoring is part of the excellent overall service initiative of CBA.

“Tutoring service enhances my experience at CBA because it contains the principles of what the school was founded upon,” Peduto said. “Volunteering for these children reminds me of the culture that has been created around the Academy, and I hope it is an example for future students.”