Gateway Educational Services tells county board its 1‑to‑1 tutoring model boosts literacy and college readiness

Connie Alexander and Audrey Gamble, co‑directors of Gateway Educational Services, told the Santa Barbara County Board of Education that their nonprofit provides intensive one‑to‑one academic help to K–9 students across the county.

"We provide direct services, direct intervention in reading and math for grades 2 through 9, and it's always a 1 to 1 model," Connie Alexander said, describing Gateway's diagnostic and instructional approach and noting use of the iReady diagnostic in English and Spanish. The presenters said the program serves about 68 students currently, with a heavier concentration in South County, and that roughly 30% of Gateway students have individualized education programs (IEPs), often tied to sensory and audio‑processing challenges.

In a two‑paragraph Q&A, trustees and public commenters pressed presenters on program reach, staffing and volunteer opportunities. One trustee asked about FAFSA and college‑application supports; Gateway said cohorts include workshops and one‑on‑one FAFSA help and that they refer families to the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara for hands‑on assistance. On staffing, presenters said they currently contract with UCSB to hire student tutors and are recruiting paraeducators for Lompoc to expand capacity.

Board members and parents praised Gateway's youth events — including a Black Youth Leadership Summit and a STEAM academy for girls — and asked about equity and early screening. The presenters said they meet regularly with parents, provide progress reports every six to eight weeks, attend IEP meetings on behalf of families, and are exploring expansions and partnerships to reduce wait lists.