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The Community Learning Workshop, formerly known as 537 Clarion, has moved to a new, larger location in the 800 Center to accommodate the growing number of students who use the center.
Clarion University faculty members Dr. Leah Chambers and Dr. Rich Lane opened the center three years ago to provide a place where students of all ages can go for free homework help and tutoring.
Students who do not need assistance with their homework also come to the workshop for a quiet, comfortable place to get their work done.
Previously located at 537 Main Street, the workshop has been helping students ranging from pre-K to adult learners from Clarion and surrounding communities.
Last semester alone, they helped more than 1,200 children and adults with an average of 15 to 25 students a day.
The new location, which opened Sept. 20, is double the size of the previous one. It offers a larger work space to provide students with the one-on-one help they need. The 800 Center is also closer to campus, making it easier for the volunteer tutors, many of whom are Clarion University students.
The workshop staff is composed of student and community volunteers, many of whom return every semester. Ashley Hartos, a Clarion University student, has been volunteering since last spring.
“I enjoy all the experience you get you get with both the kids and yourself by working together,” Hartos said. “The new location is nice because it’s closer to campus, which is good for students. There’s also air conditioning and a lot more space, so it’ll be a nicer area to work.”
The Workshop also offers evening educational programs, including American Sign Language and English as a Second Language courses. Around the holidays, events include pottery, screen printing and other art activities, all free of charge.
Anyone from the community is welcome to take advantage of the free services. For information email Clarion537@gmail.com or call 814-226-4041.