Their program, called Student Smart: Tools for Becoming a Better Student, is bringing free practice exams, sessions and seminars to students all over the city.
In May, the Downtown Central Library and Ascot and Mark Twain libraries in South Los Angeles will provide several test preparation sessions, followed by a follow up meeting where students will be able to get their scores and ask questions.
Student Smart also offers citywide seminars on topics such as developing good study habits, preparing for examinations, test taking strategies, financial aid and common admission myths.
The program has been running since 2005, said Dora Ho, program specialist for the Youth Services Department of the Los Angeles Public Library, and has thousands of participants each year. Usually there are 25 to 50 students per session, depending on the size of the branch. This year, she says, there has been an increase in participants.
“Now with this economy, people are utilizing the sessions, people can’t afford these prep tests,” Ho said. Preparatory classes, said Ho, can sometimes cost 400 dollars.
The Los Angeles Public Library has gone through many budget cuts this past fiscal year, and just recently secured more funding for the upcoming year. But Ho said the program is not affected by cuts because it is funded by private donors and a grant.
The seminars are especially important for an area like South Los Angeles, where Ho said some parents cannot afford the classes.
“Lots of parents don’t have the money for a $400 class,” Ho said. “These are very important for those who won’t have the money to take the prep classes, some of the schools don’t offer them, and students can’t prepare for college.”
Marcus Brian, a South L.A. resident and avid visitor of the Mark Twain Public Library said he plans on looking into the classes.
“I think they sound great,” Brian said. “I’ll be applying to college in the fall and I was worried about taking the SATs so hopefully this will help.”
The program though, currently has librarians visit schools, and community fairs to inform students on the sessions. The planning process for the next year begins during the summer. Although nothing is certain yet, Ho remains hopeful that more sessions can be added.
More information:
Practice SAT Exam
May 14, 2011 – Mark Twain Branch
Follow-up session, May 20, 4:00 pm
May 14, 2011, 12:30 - 5:00 pm – Teen’Scape/Central Library
Follow-up session, May 21, 12:30 pm
Common College Myths
May 19, 2011, 4:30 pm – Ascot Branch
Contact Youth Services at: 213-228-748
Photo from Newton Free Library from flickr
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