Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that every Californian can now access free online tutoring available 24/7 through a new initiative offering homework help in every K-12 subject and skill-building resources for adult learners.
The governor also announced $254 million in grants to public libraries in 172 cities across 34 counties to renovate and improve facilities across the state. This is the first round of the California State Library’s $439 million Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program — the largest investment in public library infrastructure in California history.
Real-time homework assistance can now be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/36vzvxk6 and on the websites of any of the 1,130 local public libraries around the state — click on the “HelpNow” link to reach a one-on-one tutor. The pilot program led by the State Library offers assistance in Math, Language Arts, and other core K-12 subjects in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
There’s no age limit to who can use the service. Adult learners can also access writing assistance, citizenship resources and other tools.
“With historic investments to give the youngest Californians a strong start in life, enrich our schools and expand supports like tutoring, we’re building on our commitment to create more opportunities for every child in our state to thrive, “said Newsom. “Public libraries are the hearts of communities across the state and our hubs of learning, discovery, and oftentimes — safety. While states across the nation are banning books, California is awarding $254 million in grants for our historic public libraries — an investment to make books more accessible by repairing and modernizing libraries throughout the state.”
The 234 projects in this initial round of funding under the Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program range from $14,300 to $10 million and include efforts to make libraries safer and more accessible, including their ability to be cooling centers for underserved communities.
First priority for grants was given to the state’s least-resourced communities and projects that address long-delayed critical life and safety facility needs including seismic safety, heating and air system replacement, building security, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility.
“There are lots of reasons 24 million Californians have library cards. Local libraries are cornerstones of their communities and critical parts of California’s education system,” said Greg Lucas, California State Librarian. “Strengthening public libraries strengthens California and helps make it easier for all Californians to get the information and assistance they need to succeed and thrive.”
