Summer of Learning: Kiwanis Tutors Help Benicia Students Build Skills—and Confidence
What happens when a child discovers that a math problem that once seemed impossible really isn’t so hard after all? Sometimes, all it takes is a little help, a patient tutor—and someone who believes the child can do it.
That is the heart of the Kiwanis Summer Tutoring Program, a free seven-week program that gives elementary school students across Solano County a chance to strengthen their academic skills while discovering the confidence that comes from learning something new.
The program was launched in 2022 by the Kiwanis Club of Vacaville in response to the educational disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kiwanis Club of Benicia has partnered in the initiative since 2024.
This year, the program brought together 175 volunteer tutors and 84 student learners countywide, including 18 tutors and 24 learners in Benicia.
Students in grades K-5 receive individualized assistance in subjects such as spelling, writing and mathematics. Tutors also provide support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Both in-person and virtual sessions are offered, making the program accessible to families throughout the county.
And the tutors aren’t seasoned educators. Kiwanis Key Club and Builders Club members have played a major role in the program, volunteering their time during their summer vacation from school to help younger students learn. Their enthusiasm and commitment have made them an important part of the program’s success.
Zoe Beck, this year’s Benicia tutor lead, witnessed that commitment firsthand.
“I’ve worked with some very thoughtful, dedicated tutors who have made such an impact on these kids,” Zook said. “We were so proud to see our learners engaged, growing, and building confidence in a fun way—which is what this program is all about!”
That last part may be the most important.
Summer tutoring isn’t just about improving a spelling score or mastering multiplication. It gives children a place where they can make mistakes without embarrassment, ask questions without hesitation and celebrate small victories. A child who begins the summer saying “I can’t do this” may finish it realizing, “Maybe I can.”
For the Kiwanis Club of Benicia, the summer tutoring program is part of a much larger commitment to local children. The club provides scholarships to graduating seniors, supports literacy initiatives, donates books to elementary students and sponsors numerous programs designed to give young people opportunities to learn and thrive.
As Kiwanis Benicia celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the Summer Tutoring Program is a fitting example of the organization’s enduring mission: improving the world, one child and one community at a time.
And sometimes, improving the world begins with something as simple as helping a child believe, “I can do it.”
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Benicia visit KiwanisBenicia.org.