Each Wednesday and Thursday, Middleton High School students volunteer their time to help younger learners through Next Chapter Academic Tutoring (NCAT).
NCAT is a student-led tutoring opportunity that provides K-4 students with additional academic support in all subject areas. For the tutors, the experience is about more than helping with homework or lessons. It is an opportunity to build relationships, encourage confidence and make a positive impact on younger students.
For junior Mae McLellan, her own experiences as an elementary student inspired her to become a tutor.
“I recognize many of the struggles younger students face,” McLellan said. “At their age, I experienced similar challenges, and I remember how helpful it was to have someone who understood and supported me.”
McLellan hopes to provide that same support to the students she works with and help them feel more confident in their academic abilities.
Building connections is a central part of the NCAT experience. Junior Colette Porembski said one of the most important lessons she has learned is the value of taking time to get to know each student as an individual.
“Learning what they enjoy, their personality, learning style and their strengths and weaknesses has helped me understand how to connect and support them more effectively,” Porembski said.
Through NCAT, Porembski has learned that finding the right way to connect with a student can make a meaningful difference. She said seeing students become excited to attend tutoring and knowing she has made a positive impact is something she will carry with her after graduation.
Senior Nora Pitt also encourages students interested in NCAT to focus on building relationships with the students they tutor. She joined the program because she enjoyed working with elementary-aged children and wanted to help others.
“It’s a really special feeling when you become a role model and teacher figure in a child’s life,” Pitt said.
Pitt has seen how those relationships can support students’ educational and personal growth throughout the school year. She said it is rewarding to know that students can turn to their tutors to talk, laugh or simply have someone there for them after a long day of school.
For junior Shachi Naswa, one of the best parts of NCAT is seeing students become excited about learning.
“Kids can learn in their own ways outside of school, and as tutors we try to make it fun and engaging for them to learn every time they show up,” Shachi said.
The experience also gives Middleton High School students an opportunity to build community with their fellow tutors while giving back to the community.
Sign up for 2026-27 school year tutoring, email nextchapteracademictutoring@gmail.com or follow @middleton.ncat on Instagram more information!