This page is actively under construction.

Impact

Measuring Impact

Tusome Pamoja measures success through both quantitative metrics and qualitative outcomes.

Quantitative Measures

ESL/WIDA test scores
Standardized test scores
Student grades each season
Growth in reading levels and lexiles
Feedback from students’ classroom teachers

Qualitative Measures

Narrative feedback from:

Students
Teen peer mentors
Volunteers
Parents

Saturday Shout-Out

At the end of each program day, students participate in a brief reflection called the Saturday Shout-Out, where they are invited to:

Offer encouragement or gratitude
Share accomplishments or breakthroughs
Acknowledge their own effort and growth

Long-term engagement further validates program impact. Students and volunteers return season after season, and many high school mentors continue to serve well beyond required volunteer hours—often returning during college breaks to rejoin the community.

Our Results

Teen Peer Mentorship & Youth Leadership

The heart of Tusome Pamoja is its teen peer mentor model. The success of the program depends on the passion, commitment, and preparation of teen volunteers.

Over nearly six years, more than 100 teen peer mentors have participated in Tusome Pamoja, many returning for multiple seasons. These teens represent over 15 high schools across the greater Richmond area.

Teen mentors take on meaningful responsibility, building leadership skills while forming strong, supportive relationships with younger students.

Robust Programming

Tusome Pamoja offers 22 program days per year, including:

Saturday sessions in the fall
Saturday sessions in the spring
A two-week summer program in July

In addition to instructional days, students and mentors participate in community-building activities, field trips, and special events designed to strengthen relationships and foster joy.