ST. LOUIS, MO — For over 37 years, Oasis has paired older adults with children to help young students become stronger, more confident readers. Now, the nation’s largest free intergenerational tutoring program is bringing that same one-on-one approach to another persistent academic challenge: math.

Founded in St. Louis in 1989, Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring has grown from a local literacy initiative into the nation’s largest older-adult tutoring program, reaching more than 600,000 children and becoming a nationally recognized model for intergenerational learning. To meet the growing challenge of math proficiency in young learners, Oasis has added mathematics to its curriculum, giving students individualized support in foundational math skills while continuing the relationship-based model that has been at the heart of the program for decades.

“For almost 40 years, we’ve seen what can happen when a caring adult sits down with a child, meets them where they are and gives them consistent, individualized attention,” said Oasis Chief Purpose Officer Stephanie McCreary. “At its heart, this program is about giving a child dedicated time with an adult who is there just for them. We know this model works in literacy, and we see an opportunity to bring that same support and proven six-step system to math.”

This expansion comes as math proficiency remains a significant challenge for students across Missouri and the country. According to Saint Louis University’s PRiME Center, fewer than half of Missouri students in grades three through eight scored proficient or advanced levels in mathematics on the state’s 2025 assessments. Nationwide, just 28% of eighth graders reached proficient levels in math in the most recent Nation’s Report Card. While Missouri schools have made encouraging gains in recent years, the numbers underscore the continued need for additional academic support. By expanding into mathematics, Oasis aims to build on that progress, working alongside educators to help more children develop the foundational skills and confidence they need to succeed.

For Oasis, adding math is about more than adding another academic subject. Its intergenerational model taps into an enormous community resource, older adults who bring patience, experience and a desire to contribute, and children who benefit from having another trusted adult invested in their success. As Oasis Tutoring enters its next chapter, math offers a new way to put those relationships to work and help children strengthen critical skills while giving older adults a meaningful way to make a difference in their communities.

To learn more about Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring or explore opportunities to bring the program to your school or district, visit st-louis.oasisnet.org/tutoring.