Blog ·
How CLASP Helps Claremont Students Succeed
By Jordana “JoJo” Treadwell · Originally published in the Claremont Post
Strong communities aren’t built by homes alone—they’re built by the people, schools, and organizations that invest in the next generation. One shining example is Claremont After-School Programs (CLASP), a nonprofit organization that has quietly transformed the lives of local students for more than 20 years.
CLASP provides free after-school tutoring and mentoring to elementary students in the Claremont Unified School District who need extra academic support. Students are referred by their teachers when they would benefit from the kind of individualized attention that simply isn’t possible in a busy classroom. Through one-on-one tutoring, students receive help with reading, math, homework, organizational skills, and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in their own abilities.
Today, CLASP serves approximately 80 students each week at three community-based locations. While a small part-time staff oversees the program, its success depends on more than 100 dedicated volunteers who generously give their time each year.
The need for CLASP has never been greater. Many of the students entering the program are performing below grade level in reading and math, and more than 90 percent qualify for services because they are from socio-economically disadvantaged households, are English language learners, experiencing homelessness, or receive special education services.
The results speak for themselves. During the 2025–2026 school year, more than half of participating students improved by at least one grade level in math, while half showed similar gains in reading. Even more encouraging are the personal transformations that accompany those academic improvements. Graduating sixth graders consistently report feeling more confident, better prepared for school, and proud of what they have accomplished.
The experience of one sixth-grade student demonstrates how CLASP can change the course of a child’s education. When he first joined the program, he struggled both academically and behaviorally. With the patience of his volunteer tutor, consistent encouragement, and the structure provided by the program, he made remarkable progress.
By the end of sixth grade, his reading skills had improved by nearly two grade levels, his math performance had significantly increased, and he had developed the confidence and maturity to approach school with an entirely different attitude. Stories like his remind us that caring adults can truly change the trajectory of a child’s future.
Claremont Unified School District Superintendent Dr. James Elsasser perfectly summarizes the program’s impact: “CLASP provides vital support for many of our under-achieving elementary school students, offering homework help and encouragement in developing organizational and social skills which lead to academic success. CLASP is an important member of our team and has become a valuable resource for teachers, parents, and students in our community.”
CLASP’s success depends on community involvement, and there are many ways to make a difference. If you’ve ever considered volunteering, this is a wonderful opportunity to positively impact a child’s future. Volunteer tutors receive training and ongoing support, and the organization also welcomes individuals with skills in writing, publicity, social media, event planning, financial management, and fundraising. Financial contributions are always appreciated and help ensure these life-changing services remain free for local families.
You can help change the lives of these students. Whether you volunteer as a tutor, lend your professional skills behind the scenes, or make a financial contribution, your support makes a lasting difference. To learn more about becoming a volunteer or making a donation, visit www.clasp4kids.org. When a child gains confidence, improves in school, and begins to believe in themselves, our entire community benefits. Programs like CLASP remind us that sometimes the greatest investment we can make isn’t in property—it’s in people.
Editor’s Note: My sincere thanks to CLASP Board Member Jack Mills for generously sharing the background information, program statistics, and student success stories that contributed to this article.