MAPLE Tutoring for Struggling Students

In Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, students face significant educational challenges. According to the Oregon Department of Education, a large percentage of students in our region are not proficient in core subjects: English (48%), math (58%), and science (67%).

The Samara Learning Center steps in to fill this critical gap, providing a lifeline for students who are often at a breaking point. On average, our students are dealing with documented learning challenges like dyslexia, ADHD, or autism (83.3%), and over half have been diagnosed with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression (53%). These hurdles put them at a much higher risk for academic failure and social difficulties.

We believe every student deserves a safe space to "soar with their strengths." Our goal is to provide them with the education, guidance, and community connections they need to achieve independence and a secure future. We work closely with local nonprofits, learning specialists, and organizations like the Family Access Network (F.A.N.) and HERO Makers. Thanks to grants and donations, we're able to offer scholarships to underserved youth—a service many other tutoring centers can't provide.

Our approach is working. We're proud to report that 99% of our former students successfully advanced to the next level of their educational journey. For the 2025-2026 school year, we are on track to triple the number of young people we serve.

Project Objectives & Outcomes

By the fourth quarter, our program will serve:

• 35–55 students in focused small group tutoring.

• 8–16 students with general education support.

• 10–18 students with specialized support from learning specialists.

For students who participate for at least four months, we measure success through a holistic, data-driven approach:

• Academic Growth: A 15% increase in recorded academic scores.

• Executive Functioning: A 15% increase in their baseline score on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning, Second Edition.

• Personal Development: Higher scores in at least four of six attributes on the Success Attributes: Stages of Growth Tracker.

• Mental Well-being: A score of at least 40 on the Positive Mental Health and Resilience for Children and Youth assessment.

Use of Grant Funds

The Dudley T. Doughtery Foundation grant will provide scholarships for students with financial needs. These funds will be combined with contributions from other charitable foundations to cover program costs, including staffing, rent, and supplies. Our goal is to serve as many students as possible, ensuring those with more significant needs receive the intensive one-on-one support required, even though it is more expensive.

Scholarship eligibility is based on a family's income relative to the poverty line. Families with an income at or below 200% of the poverty line will be eligible for a scholarship covering 75% to 100% of the cost of tutoring.

Qualification and Experience

Samara Learning Center's academic support services are led by licensed special education teachers.

Heather Chatem has an M.A. in Special Education with a focus on Learning Disabilities, a K-12 Special Education Teaching Credential, and is an autism authorization trainer. She has personal experience with ADHD and dyslexia and has worked in general, inclusive, and specialized education environments.

Sarah Compton holds an M.S. in Education and a B.A. in Biology. She has a diverse background as an Executive Functioning Coach, Orton Gillingham Tutor, and educator in public, charter, and private schools.

Other Funding Sources

Samara's budget is supported by a variety of revenue streams:

• 48% - Foundation grants secured by Samara

• 20% - Private enrollment

• 18% - Foundation grants secured by collaborating organizations

• 7% - Families receiving partial scholarships

• 5% - Donations from individuals and businesses

• 2% - Ongoing fundraising

We have pending funds from the Buchanan Foundation and Silver Family Foundation ($22,010.63 ea), the Miller Foundation ($14,500.00), and the OneAmerica Education Grant, Autzen Foundation, and McCormick & Company Grant ($9,800.00 ea).

Data Collection 

We track student progress through enrollment forms, academic assessments, and questionnaires to measure growth in academics, executive functioning, mindset, and coping skills. We believe progress is individualized, and success goes beyond grades to include self-esteem, self-advocacy, and emotional resilience.