Bright Spark Scholars is a donor-funded tutoring program that began in Fall 2024. The program helps elementary students succeed in literacy and mathematics. This two-semester program is a partnership between UC Merced's Community Engagement Center and elementary schools within the City of Merced. Tutors receive curriculum training, transportation to the schools, and support to mentor their tutees in the important skills of literacy and numeracy – skills that help set them up for success later on in their academic, social, and economic lives.
Each tutor who completes 60 service hours during the semester will receive a $1000 stipend (up to $2000 per academic year).
By participating in the Bright Spark Scholars program, you will be eligible for our Community Service Graduation Pin! Full participation is required for the Community Service Graduation Pin eligibility, which is a semester-long commitment.
Pilot Year Success Story
During the pilot year (2024–2025), 13 Bright Spark Scholars Tutors worked with K–3 students at Farmdale Elementary School, providing literacy instruction. Each tutor received transportation to the school for their sessions and averaged 6–8 hours per week on tutoring, lesson preparation, and training. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, the average reading level of the students they tutored increased by 1.2 grade levels!
Expanding for 2025-2026
As we're moving on to our 2nd year, we've added mathematics as a subject matter and are doubling the number of tutors and sites we'll be working with.
For Fall 2025 - Spring 2026, we have a cohort of 30 tutors who will be working with K-5 students at two schools within the Merced City School District.
Become a UCM Bright Spark Scholars Tutor
We have a few tutoring spots available for Spring 2026. Please fill out the application by January 15th:
All UCM students are welcome to apply to be a part of this program – including AB 540 eligible students! Prospective tutors are required to attend an info session, submit an application (only students who attend an info session will receive access to the application), and receive training.
Applications are currently open. To apply, please fill out the form below:
Click HERE to register if the form above is not working.
Required Service Forms
You must complete these required service forms to participate in the program.
