AmeriCorps has allowed Robbie Long ’19 to take his first steps into a career in education, tutoring fourth grade students while running an after-school program.

Long works for City Year, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia dedicated to helping students and schools.

“I’m incredibly grateful that I came to City Year with the knowledge and experience that SU provided me through the early childhood education major,” Long says.

“I could have gone nearly anywhere to earn my degree in early childhood education, but if I could do it again, I wouldn’t go anywhere but SU,” he adds.

In his current role, Long provides tutoring in both mathematics and literacy and also helps students develop socio-emotional skills. After the school day ends, Long also helps with homework and various enrichment clubs in the after-school program.

“I feel confident and prepared to design and implement the interventions my students require to be successful,” he says. “I’m certain that I will be equally prepared for a role as a classroom teacher in the future.”

While at SU, Long was involved in the Gender & Sexuality Alliance and Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. He also worked for the Career Development Center, which Long says helped him develop strong communication and organizational skills.