Founded by an Honors Program student in 2006, the Thomas Lay After School Program provides tutoring and mentoring services every school day to at-risk elementary school students in the Athens area.

The program pairs UGA students with elementary school students for one-on-one after school tutoring in a fun and supportive environment. A typical afternoon consists of helping children with homework and facilitating recreation time, including sports, art, and other planned activities.

An average of 125 UGA student volunteers serve about 60 elementary school students every semester. The program runs Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 5:30pm at the Thomas Lay Park Community Center, just north of downtown. The first hour is dedicated to homework assignments, reading, and writing; the second to art, sports, and games. By providing homework help and extended learning activities, Thomas Lay creates an atmosphere that encourages enthusiastic learning and play.

Each volunteer mentor devotes at least one day a week for the entire semester. New mentors are welcomed and trained at the beginning of each semester. All UGA students are welcome to volunteer. If you are interested, watch the Honors listserv for announcements or contact the volunteer coordinator.

Financial support of the Thomas Lay After School Program is made possible by Katherine and Darren Ash, whose mission is to cultivate and support a culture of community service within the UGA Honors Program.