In 1995, the Schools of Hope Literacy Project determined that the achievement gap between students of color and their white peers was a growing concern. Upon further study they identified tutoring as a method of addressing this challenge.  Since 1998, allocations from United Way of Dane County and other community service grants have funded AmeriCorps*VISTA members who serve as volunteer coordinators in area schools.  Partner agencies are also Centro Hispano, Urban League of Greater Madison and SPASD.  This dynamic collaboration relies on the unique expertise of each partner agency and staff to develop and implement an effective tutoring program.

Since 2002, the Schools of Hope Project has existed at several SPASD schools. Sun Prairie currently has Schools of Hope programs at the following elementary schools: C.H. Bird, Creekside, Northside and Westside, as well as at our middle schools: Cardinal Heights Upper MS, Patrick Marsh and Prairie View. During the 2010-11 school year in Sun Prairie, over 244 volunteers gave generously of their time and were able to tutor nearly 500 students.