As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact student learning, the Houston Independent School District has a plan to help students who may have fallen behind.

Texas’ largest school system is partnering with iEducate, a nonprofit that connects young adults who aspire to teach with students who need to learn, to hire 500 Houston students and alumni for spring semester tutoring positions at elementary schools throughout the district.

“This partnership will expose students to the valuable skills employers demand, developing a pipeline of highly-effective future teachers and supporting elementary school students in need in the process,” said Houston Schools Superintendent Millard House II.

The district is looking for students ages 15 and older and alumni currently in college for the paid opportunity. Student tutors will work in person with shifts available during the school day, after school and on Saturdays and will be paired with a certified teacher for up to 20 hours a week to assist third through fifth-grade students with core subjects such as English, math, and science.

The program began in January and will run through the end of June.

“We are looking forward to partnering with HISD to address learning loss exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating pathways for graduates to become teachers in their home district,” said iEducate CEO Arun Gir. “We hope this sets the stage for how a school district can engage its youth community and alumni to further the cycle of mentorship and college readiness while exposing more young adults to the teaching profession.”