Frequently Asked Questions

The WHIT Program provides free tutoring and educational support to children in foster care who are behind in school. Volunteer tutors work with students to strengthen their skills in reading and math and help them work toward grade level.

WHIT stands for Weekly Hands-on Independent Tutoring.

The WHIT Program is named for Whitney Thompson, the late daughter of program founder Jennifer Lisson. Whitney inspired others through her love of people and her compassion for those less fortunate. The program was established in her memory.

Our goal is to help children in foster care get caught up academically. WHIT tutors work with students in reading and math with the goal of helping them reach grade level.

Children in foster care may experience frequent moves, disrupted schooling and uncertainty that can make it difficult to stay on track academically. The WHIT Program provides consistent educational support to help students strengthen their skills and regain academic ground.

No. The WHIT Program is free to the foster children and families we serve.

The WHIT Program does not take tax money. The program is supported by private donations and community support.

The WHIT Program serves children in foster care and children involved with Child Protective Services who need additional academic support.

Not necessarily. A student involved with CPS may be referred even if the child is still living with their natural parents.

Students are referred through Child Protective Services, judges with jurisdiction over CPS cases and CASA volunteers.

Visit our Refer a Student page for referral information and contact details.

CPS and foster care workers can use our Refer a Student page for information about referring a child to The WHIT Program.

The WHIT Program focuses on reading and math, helping students strengthen fundamental academic skills and work toward grade level.

Tutors meet with their matched student weekly. Consistency is an important part of The WHIT Program.

The program is designed for tutors to continue meeting weekly with their matched student as the student works toward reaching grade level.

No. WHIT tutors help students strengthen their academic skills while also providing encouragement and consistency. The goal is not simply to finish an assignment, but to help the student improve academically and work toward grade level.

Many children in foster care have experienced disruption and change. A tutor who shows up consistently can provide dependable academic support, encouragement and a positive relationship while helping the student make progress in school.

No. You do not need to be a teacher. You need a willingness to help a child succeed. The WHIT Program provides training, resources and ongoing support to its volunteer tutors.

Volunteers complete a background check, fingerprint screening and tutor training before being matched with a student.

Yes. The WHIT Program trains volunteers before they are matched with a student and provides resources and ongoing support to help tutors succeed.

WHIT volunteers are trained in tutoring, confidentiality, and spotting abuse and neglect before being matched with a student.

Tutoring is a weekly commitment. Even one hour a week can give a student consistent academic support and encouragement.

Tutors help their matched student improve academically, particularly in reading and math. Just as importantly, tutors provide consistency, encouragement and positive support as the student works toward academic success.

Visit our Apply to Tutor page to get started.

Current tutors can access the Tutor Resources and Tutor Training sections of the website.

Yes. University students can volunteer with The WHIT Program and, after completing the required screening and training, may be matched with a child who needs academic support.

Yes. Colleges and universities interested in making The WHIT Program available to their students are encouraged to contact us to learn more.

Visit our Campus Champions page to learn more about campus involvement with The WHIT Program.

The WHIT Program provides its services free to foster children and their families and does not take tax money. Private donations and community support make the program possible.

You can make an online contribution through our Donate page .

Absolutely. You can volunteer as a tutor, help raise awareness about the program, participate in WHIT events or help connect The WHIT Program with colleges, universities and community partners.

Yes. The WHIT Program holds events and fundraisers that bring supporters together and help support the program’s mission. Visit our Events page for current information.

Visit our Testimonials page to hear from students, foster parents, tutors and others who have experienced The WHIT Program.

Visit our Foster Resources page for educational and college-related resources.

Visit our Contact page to send us a message or find our phone, email and mailing information.