Teens bursting out of high school and adults returning to college are shouting Jerry Maguire’s famous movie line, “Show me the money!”

Eighteen-year-old Stacy Wells wants more out of life than a “Mcjob.” She wants to be a pediatrician because she likes kids, and thinks she can make a big difference in some kids’ lives.

Wells began attending Fresno City College last semester. She has worked hard at maintaining good grades, but is already struggling this semester.

Math, a requirement for her major, seemed to be easy for her during high school. However, she received a D on her last math test and does not understand a science assignment due next week.

Wells cannot afford a tutor. A friend suggested she turn to the FCC tutorial center, a resource that is provided free of charge for all currently enrolled students.

During the spring 2007 semester 2,344 students walked through the Tutorial Center’s doors. “Our goal is to develop independent learners,” said Tutorial Center Coordinator, Ray Sanchez. “We help students struggling a bit, but also assist students wanting to keep their A’s.”

FCC’s Tutorial Center is geared to help everyone prosper and offers tutoring and academic support in most subject areas and basic skills.

“The tutoring services reinforces everything I do in the classroom,” stated FCC English Instructor, Lynn Campbell. “It’s a fantastic resource we provide for students.”

“Tutors will stay with you for hours and hours until you get your homework done, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.” stated Brittney Putman. “If they’re unable to help you, they find a tutor that can help.”

The 21-year-old majoring in Animal Science, has taken advantage of the tutorial center since 2003. Putman said the tutors are very helpful, and she does all of her homework at the center. Her major requires a lot of math and science. She plans to specialize in cruelty cases involving large and small animals.

“I’m here [Tutorial Center] for chemistry today because I suck at chemistry,” she stated.

Echoing Putnam, Alex Shkaruba said he discovered the Tutorial Center a year ago while taking a psychology class. The 22-year-old considers himself a pretty good writer and felt an essay assignment was complete. However, he jumped at the instructor’s offer of extra credit to students visiting the tutorial center.

“I found really simple mistakes,” said Shkaruba. “When I actually got help on that, I came in for other classes just for better grades.”

Soon, Shkaruba, a Liberal Studies Major, discovered he wasn’t returning to tutorial services for extra credit, but A’s on all of his work.

“That’s way better than extra credit,” stated Shkaruba. “I recommend it for any subject and there’s some really talented people there.”

He should know, the once student-in-need has turned into a tutor-indeed.

Inspiration led Shkaruba onto a tutorial path this fall semester. He said tutors have already taken the classes they tutor and have passed them with A’s.

“They work at helping students correct mistakes, but also teach students how to not make mistakes,” he explained.

Students really trying their best to get the most out of college may arrive discouraged and not quite sure how to get things done initially. However, there is a quick turn-around. Aide and guidance are given at a slower pace in one-on-one sessions or small study groups.

“Tutors know exactly what the teacher would want,” said Shkaruba.

He likes helping fellow students and believes his own personal gain and teaching experience from the program will help him become a better instructor. He has a passion for creative writing and wants to share his gift of word with impressionable children, possibly fifth or sixth graders.

Economics Major, Emily Carpenter said tutors are not just diving into subjects at the center, but they are teaching how to study, how to take notes and how to be a better student overall.

“I really think it builds confidence and helps people in their classes even when they stop coming to the Tutorial Center,” stated Carpenter. “I see people coming in, totally know their subject, but they have one or two really troubling problems that are always at the end of the homework figured out.”

“I went over and checked it out and it was pretty cool,” Carpenter said. The program was recommended to her by a teacher. She likes it so much, it is her second semester as a tutor.

“I really like the atmosphere, I think it’s very friendly and encouraging,” she added. She said she wants to continue tutoring until she transfers, working towards attending UC Berkley.

Since its creation in 1976, the Tutorial Center has continued to evolve. After the first five years, evening tutoring hours were added for students with limited daytime hours and its doors were opened during the summer session. In 1991, students had access to the center on Saturdays. By 2000, success and necessity brought drop-in tutoring. In 2005, the center had expanded by opening a computer lab in the gymnasium. Today, tutoring is available at the Manchester Educational Resource Center.

Wells recently visited FCC’s website. There, she found the link to the Tutorial Center and simply clicked onto the Student Services link which took her to the Tutorial Center. From there, she found a subject search link.

She clicked onto her math course and several tutor photos appeared – along with their tutoring schedule.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Wells said she plans to visit the center very soon, before it is too late.

Today’s workforce requires increased literacy, more education and enhanced technological skills. Studies, statistics and life experience have proven the amount of schooling has a direct effect on an individual’s future earning potential. At a cost of twenty dollars per unit, no one can afford to lose.

Dropout rates continue to rise and employment opportunities are reducing at a staggering pace. The tutorial program touts its success in helping build self-confidence in students. It is a win-win program, assisting students as they begin and continue their college education onto a career of choice.