ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) announced today that a $20,000 operating funds grant secured through her office was awarded to the Wizard’s Wardrobe in Albany. Wizard’s Wardrobe, established in 2014, provides free one-on-one after-school tutoring starting with 1st and 2nd graders, working with them through their elementary years with the goal of having them reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. Their focus on reading, writing, and problem-solving skills in a unique environment fosters creativity and supplements classroom learning. 

Volunteer tutors for Wizard’s Wardrobe attend a two-day training designed with help from the Capital District Teacher Center and have monthly supplemental workshops, keeping tutors engaged and interested in new learning approaches to better support their students. The tutors prepare monthly reports that are shared with the students’ teachers so they can provide feedback that can be incorporated into tutoring lessons, bridging the gap between the classroom and after-school learning.

Wizard’s Wardrobe, located at 20 Rensselaer Street in Albany, is always welcoming new volunteers and accepting financial support for their organization. Please inquire with them about enrollment or apply to be a tutor on their website.

“Wizard’s Wardrobe is the perfect example of how learning can happen anywhere with the right support,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “The creativity fostered here will open doors for these students and teach them not only the value of reading and writing, but skills like self-determination, tenacity, and creative thinking. I am happy my office was able to secure funding to help Wizard’s Wardrobe continue operating day-to-day and providing invaluable support to our students here in Albany. I strongly encourage everyone in the Capital Region to consider supporting and volunteering with Wizard’s Wardrobe. When we take the time and energy to support our students, the return comes back tenfold in our communities and opens doors for our young people to reach their full potential. These are the organizations that make the difference in our communities.”

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