At the heart of Aslan Youth Ministries is our well-respected Tutoring and Mentoring Program, designed to change the academic trajectory and life outlook of low-income, at-risk African American children living in Monmouth County’s most under-resourced communities. Since 1975, Aslan has been committed to helping children believe in their God-given talents and abilities and to providing the individualized support they need to succeed.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to permanently impact the minds, bodies, and spirits of urban youth, empowering them to thrive and become self-determining members of society.

True Academic Remediation, Not Just Homework Help

Unlike traditional homework clubs, Aslan’s program is solidly based on remediation. Many of our students enter our program performing several grade levels behind. Helping a sixth-grader complete third-grade homework will not close that gap. Instead, Aslan pinpoints academic deficiencies through comprehensive pre-testing, and an individualized learning plan is developed for every student.

Our academic tools include:

  • ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum, where students must score 80% or higher before advancing to the next level.

  • Mastery of the Top 100 to Top 2,000 most common English words to build vocabulary and literacy.

  • Old-fashioned flashcards to strengthen math computation without overreliance on calculators.

  • Cursive writing instruction to enhance fine motor skills and cognitive development.

At the end of each school year, we conduct post-testing to measure real academic gains. Many of our students advance one to two grade levels per year, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.

Consistent Mentorship, Lasting Impact

The real power of Aslan’s program lies in the one-on-one relationships between tutors and students. Tutors don’t just assist academically—they become mentors, role models, and trusted adults in the lives of our children. Many tutors invite students to family outings, field trips, and other enriching experiences, helping youth broaden their horizons and build self-confidence.

Tutors receive extensive training, resources, and support to ensure they are equipped to address the academic and emotional needs of their students.

Volunteer Opportunities:
Serving as an Aslan tutor is one of the most rewarding ways to give back. It requires just two hours per week during the school year.

Program Results

Aslan continuously evaluates the effectiveness of all programming to ensure measurable outcomes:

  • 95% of students enter performing below grade level.

  • 90% of students who stay with Aslan for six or more years graduate from high school.

  • Students report extremely low truancy rates.

  • Most graduates pursue college, technical training, entrepreneurship, or military service.

These outcomes demonstrate the lasting impact of consistent academic support and mentorship.

Year-Round Learning: Summer Program Extension

Aslan’s commitment to academic success extends beyond the school year. Our Summer Learning Program is a critical extension of our after-school tutoring, addressing the “summer slide” that disproportionately affects low-income students. Research shows that students from wealthier families start each school year ahead due to enriching summer experiences, while disadvantaged children often fall behind.

Aslan combats this with summer programming that includes:

  • Summer Tutoring: Continuing individualized academic instruction.

  • Educational Enrichment: STEM learning, science projects, and hands-on experiments.

  • Environmental Science: Water-based studies and conservation activities.

  • Astronomy Lessons: Trips to local planetariums and movie nights.

  • Creative Arts: Tie-dye shirts, pillow-making, weaving bracelets, and sand art.

  • Sports and Physical Fitness: Swimming, soccer, ping pong, aerobic dance, wall climbing, and swimming lessons through Monmouth County Park programs.

  • Water Safety and Beach Day: Teaching children to overcome their fear of water with basic swimming instruction and ocean safety awareness.

  • Healthy Living: Juicing classes with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Locations and Volunteer Engagement

Aslan’s tutorial sessions are hosted at convenient community locations, and we provide FREE pick-up and drop-off services to ensure safety and participation in all our programs.

We proudly recruit high school and college students from area schools such as Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Red Bank Regional, Red Bank Catholic, Biotech High School, MAST, Brookdale Community College, and Monmouth University. Many complete internships and volunteer more than 40 hours per semester, gaining valuable experience while making a lasting difference.

Measuring Impact

To assess program success and drive continual improvement, Aslan employs a rigorous evaluation framework:

  • Pre- and post-testing in vocabulary, reading comprehension, math computation, and English.

  • Progress monitoring through report cards, school progress reports, and standardized tests.

  • Surveys and check-ins with tutors and staff.

  • Direct communication with classroom teachers when possible.

  • Regular feedback with parents and caregivers.

  • Insights from volunteers actively engaged with students.

These evaluation tools ensure that every Aslan student receives the highest quality of support and that our programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of our community.

 

Aslan Enrichment Activities – Throughout the year we include enrichment components that provide opportunities for Aslan’s children to experience new things they otherwise would not have an opportunity to experience. Staff and volunteers work together to develop projects that have a significant impact on Aslan’s youth. 

Monmouth University Art-Eco Project – Each year, Kimberly Callas from Monmouth University and university students organize a challenging project, where students learn about the importance of caring for this planet God has given to us. Last year Aslan students learned to use a Computer Aided Design program (CAD) to map out their facial features, with each student adding images of seashells, seaweed or fish. Using a 3-D printer, their designs came to life, and the children then painted and added additional ocean art to their masks! They took a boat ride on the ocean comparing components of the masks to the ocean environment. At the conclusion of the program, Monmouth University hosted an art exhibit featuring the masks.

Tutoring Hours and Locations – 
Volunteers work one-on-one with students to encourage academic excellence in math, reading and English.

MONDAYS 
Red Bank Tutoring
6:00 – 7:30 pm – First Baptist Church of Red Bank

TUESDAYS 
Long Branch Tutoring
5:30 – 7:00 pm – Long Branch Covenant Church

THURSDAYS
Asbury Park Tutoring
6:00 – 7:30 pm – Community Bible Church (Neptune)

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