Davis Bridge provides tutoring, computer access, school supplies, and after-school snacks at two after-school homework clubs located at Marguerite Montgomery Elementary in south Davis, and at North Davis Elementary. These homework clubs are staffed daily by UC Davis undergraduates, many of whom are bi-lingual in Spanish and English. The UC Davis students receive course credit for their participation. All Davis students, regardless of race or ethnicity, are welcome to attend Bridge and our services are totally free of charge. The program is designed to particularly assist low-income students from from Spanish-speaking homes by providing tutoring by successful college students from similar backgrounds. The tutors understand the challenges facing the Latino students —the UC Davis student tutors provide superb academic support and are excellent role models.

Latino students in Davis need the support of the community. Although there are over 1,000 Latino students in the school district (about 12% of the population) they are among the lowest-scoring students in standardized tests. Many students do not graduate from Davis High; they drop out of school or transfer to King High. Latino students in Davis have the lowest representation in enrichment classes (very few enroll in Advanced Placement classes in high school, for example) and relatively high rates of disciplinary problems. Davis Bridge is a solution to these problems and provides a new approach to integrating students with their community, their schools, and their futures.

Since January 2004, more than 65 students have attended tutoring sessions at the North Davis and Marguerite Montgomery schools, taught by over 40 UC Davis tutors. It is expected that these numbers will increase dramatically in the school year 2004-2005. Davis Bridge students now have daily computer access, necessary school supplies and “one on one” tutoring from our tutors. Already we have seen excellent results. The program has received high marks from Davis teachers, who have noticed marked improvement in the students’ academic achievement and class behavior. For some students, this is the first time in their life they have completed homework.