Because schools and school districts are struggling and offering fewer academic services, many students do not get the services and the individualized attention they need to succeed in public school. A particular group of students, those in transition from middle school to high school, are particularly affected by cutting supplemental academic services that are on the budget chopping block. The transition from middle level to high school can be an intimidating experience, even for well-prepared students. But for students who have marginal skills in language and math, the problems they encounter during the transition can mean the end of their formal education. One solution is to offer them tutoring from college students who have been hired on a part-time basis. Two tutorial programs mentioned herein are GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination).