Our Process

TIES partners with high-quality private schools to fully fund tuition for children living in poverty in marginalized communities

A third of children in Baltimore City live below the poverty level
Many of these children and their families live in neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty and crime, isolating them from the resources and networks they need to reach their potential
The lack of access to high-quality primary and secondary education is a significant predictor of passing poverty from one generation to the next
Access to educational opportunities drives economic and social mobility and reduces lifelong risks associated with poverty

TIES provides tutoring for TIES Scholars for at least one year prior to starting a private school so that they are at or above grade level. Tutoring is ongoing and TIES helps finance resources provided by the school to help with homework or additional instruction

Research shows that poor children start school at a disadvantage, and fewer than half of children living in poverty are ready for school at age 5
On average, children of color living in poverty are two grades behind by the end of 4th grade and fall to 4-grade years behind by 12th grade
Studies show that individual tutoring can improve learning across grade levels by as much as 15 months and helps close racial and socioeconomic achievement gaps

TIES Education Committee members work closely with schools to build a supportive community around its students with programs such as Older Peer Mentoring, School Liaison and Advocacy between parents and school, and Parent Coaching

Older peer mentors serve as role models and help TIES Scholars adapt to novel environmental expectations and provide emotional support. Studies have shown that cross-age peer mentors improve academic performance and social and emotional functioning. Additionally, aspirations to attend college increase for disadvantaged children who receive peer mentoring.
Parent Coaching provides support for parents of TIES Scholars. Parent involvement and close cooperation between parents and the school are factors in closing the academic achievement gap. The parents are provided with career and financial coaching, as well as assistance accessing resources and meeting application deadlines. Providing support for the parents is crucial to the mission of TIES.
School Liaison: TIES education committee designates trained educators and social workers to facilitate a strong working alliance between schools and parents. The TIES liaison volunteers report back to the education committee to monitor academic progress and identify additional resources when indicated.

TIES pays for meal plans and provides nutritious snacks for TIES Scholars to take to their school, tutoring, or extended day programs

Good nutrition has been shown to improve learning, memory, attendance, and cognitive development in school-aged children. TIES children typically come from neighborhoods where access to nutritious food is limited.