Side by Side Agency
Side by Side Agency (SBS) is a Canadian registered non-profit, university student led online educational agency to support high school students and incoming first year university students through our mentorship and summer research program.
Difficulties with writing and researching for courses leads to poorer academic outcomes as it reduces students’ chances of acquiring extracurricular experiences, such as research experiences. These research experiences are required to successfully enter Canadian graduate schools or competitive careers. The pervasive lack of equal representation compounds socioeconomic barriers to higher education, further reducing the likelihood of marginalized learners entering and staying in academia (Walkington et al 2017). Fortunately, mentorship programs for women in male dominant institutions have been correlated with more publications, higher retention, and promotions within academic medicine (Farkas et al 2019). Therefore, it is clear that there is a need for more literacy and research based mentorship and support for marginalized learners to reduce barriers obstructing their future educational and career pathways.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Unfortunately, we will be suspending our tutoring program as of August 27 2021. We have already stopped matching new students with tutors. All existing tutor-tutee pairings are welcome to continue, however the admin team at SBS will no longer be involved with your relationship. Tutors are not required to continue tutoring under SBS policies (this includes logging hours, providing free support, etc) beyond August 27th. Please communicate with your tutor/student to determine next steps.
This past year and a half has been an incredible learning experience for us as organizers and tutors, and we are really glad that we’ve been able to help so many students both directly and through our lovely volunteers. Our goal with sidebyside was to help students transition into online school and stay connected during uncertain times and we are happy with everything we have achieved! The decision to cut the tutoring program was not an easy one, however we would like to direct you to our resources page to check out some other organizations that have free or paid tutoring services.
Many of our tutors have been volunteering to support you/your child for over a year now, amidst heavy school schedules, work schedules, and extracurriculars. Please join us in applauding and thanking your tutors by letting them know of your appreciation and offering reference letters.
Sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for your continued support! Have a great summer.
Sincerely,
The SBS Team
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