Knack, the leading peer academic support strategy, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Union County, New Jersey, to provide free tutoring for students in grades 5-8. This partnership brings accessible, high-quality academic support to middle school students, equipping them with the resources they need to succeed in school and explore future career pathways.

Middle school is a formative time for academic and social development, and research shows that students benefit immensely from support during these years. With the new partnership, Knack is addressing an essential need, providing middle school students in Union County with trained, high-achieving tutors from local colleges and universities. These tutors, who are required to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and complete extensive training, offer both academic assistance and mentorship, empowering students to reach their full potential as they prepare for high school and beyond.

“Tutoring is more than an educational resource. It is an investment in our shared future,” said Nicholas Scutari, New Jersey Senate President. “By helping students recover from pandemic-related learning loss, high-impact tutoring programs are closing achievement gaps and giving our children the tools they need to succeed in life. When our students thrive, our communities thrive.”

Knack’s model allows college students to serve as tutors and role models for middle schoolers. The partnership connects young learners with college students who have recently navigated their own academic journeys, providing relatable and inspiring mentorship. Through this collaboration, students not only build academic skills but also gain insight into the diverse career paths that lie ahead, from four-year degrees to vocational training.

“Knack is thrilled to partner with Union County to bring this critical resource to local students,” said Samyr Qureshi, CEO of Knack. “Middle school is a time when academic guidance can make a lifelong difference. Through this program, we’re empowering students to develop confidence, envision their futures, and set the foundation for academic success.”

Union County officials share Knack’s excitement, viewing the partnership as a means to foster educational growth and encourage young students’ exploration of future possibilities. This initiative aligns with both Knack’s mission to close equity gaps in education and Union County’s commitment to supporting its youth.

For more information on this initiative, please contact Knack at [email protected] or visit https://www.joinknack.com/2-year-institutions.