Program offering help with homework

Thanks to a partnership between the New Jersey State Library and PSEG, local students will be able to receive free homework assistance at several area libraries.

The Homework Help NJ Program, available at the Elmer, Penns Grove, Pennsville, Salem, and Woodstown-Pilesgrove public libraries (as well as 19 other public libraries throughout the state), provides students in grades kindergarten through 12 and those taking introductory college courses with help in math, social studies, science, and English via the Internet at www.homeworkhelpnj.org.

Spanish-speaking tutors are also available for help with math and science assignments.

The program offers one-on-one instruction. Students can connect to a tutor through their local libraries or from their home computers by using their library card number.

Online tutors are available from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Tutors can help students with both simple questions and complex concepts.

All tutors are certified through Tutor.com.

Pennsville Public Library Director Nancy Whitesell believes the program is beneficial for students because it helps them accomplish their academic goals.

"(Homework Help NJ) provides students with help whenever they need it. They are never abandoned and there is always someone available to help them with their assignments," said Whitesell.

Despite being involved with the program for more than a year, Whitesell said she has seen very few students coming in to take advantage of the program.

"We were really excited when the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative told us about this program," Whitesell said. "I haven't seen a lot of kids come in to use the program. But we have given out a lot of bookmarks describing the program, so I know they are taking home the information."

She added that as library staff, it is their job to inform the public of this service.

"We have gone over instructions on how to use the program and the benefits that come from using it," she said.

Along with the 24 participating libraries, students in the New Jersey After 3 program can also access Homework Help NJ at all local program sites, including Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and many other organizations.

For more information, visit the official program Web site at www.homeworkhelpnj.org.