Warrior Scholars represent a community of students who spend valuable time tutoring other students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related classes. Warrior Scholars sponsor, Advanced Placement (AP) biology and chemistry teacher Juan Mora, encourages students who partake in discussions with a student-led committee.
Warrior Scholars accepts new students into their community, emphasizing Mora’s mission and reason for starting the club — to help struggling high school students understand STEM courses. Mora also expects participants to begin tutoring new freshmen in the program as they age, contributing to the continuation of the club. This way, each tutor helps a buddy with their weaker courses. The students also participate in labs, study sessions and work with peers to increase productivity and learning. Groups increase the number of ideas and solutions that pass between the individuals, which creates a healthy learning environment. As a result, students expand their knowledge of the topic due to their collaboration and in-depth discussion.
“Warrior Scholars allow kids to learn and improve. I would encourage people to tutor through Warrior Scholars because you get community service and have fun tutoring people. I would also encourage people to be tutored through Warrior Scholars because it allows them to get a better understanding of a topic and, as a tutor, [the club] allows you to learn from your peers,” magnet sophomore Hugh Longhurst said.
Warrior Scholars creates an interesting, approachable look at tutoring and mentoring, granting underclassmen access to resources and knowledge of eager upperclassmen. The club meets each Wednesday, allowing students to receive assistance with homework before the weekend. Student tutors can also expect to find themselves improving on subjects they already know, discovering a new understanding of an interesting topic, as well as improving their person-to-person interaction.
Unlike other tutoring programs at NC, Warrior Scholars specifically focus on STEM-based learning. Students struggling in math or science classes benefit from Warrior Scholars due to the accessible and friendly learning environment. In light of declining math skills in high school students, Warrior Scholars educate and help struggling underclassmen advance and improve their math skills.
“I started Warrior Scholars because I wanted to create a space where we could have community through STEM. I feel that academics go by the wayside the majority of the time. What I wanted to do was provide mentorship for freshmen, because what a lot of people don’t realize is that freshman year is a fundamental step. I wanted to do this through STEM by doing lab activities and getting tutored in those subjects, which students struggle with the most,” Mora said.
Science-wise, tutors see a sizable number of students struggling in biology and chemistry. Students tend to find these subjects difficult due to the memorization of processes and effects. Biology, the study of living organisms, contains numerous processes and concepts within its curriculum. Chemistry contains multiple mathematical processes that students find difficult, leading to stress and a lack of understanding. To help struggling students with STEM-related classes, Warrior Scholars dedicates its time and effort to these maturing students. As a result, students can access resources and utilize friends to guide them through these difficult STEM classes and ultimately become successful scholars.
