Intern Spotlight: Arial Green leads the charge in transformative tutoring program

As Wayne State celebrates National Intern Day on the third Thursday in July, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences honors the dedication and impact of interns like Arial Greene, who exemplify its commitment to community engagement and academic excellence.

As a double major in history and sociology with an honors co-major, Arial Greene is no stranger to academic rigor and community service. Now entering her senior year and beginning her master’s in history through Wayne State’s AGRADE program, Arial has taken on a pivotal role as coordinator of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences' Warrior United Tutoring Program, helping Detroit K-12 students achieve academic success.

The Warrior United Tutoring Program, a partnership between Wayne State University and Detroit United Lacrosse, aims to support local students through free after-school tutoring sessions at the Durfee Innovation Center. With a passion for education and mentorship, Arial was inspired to join the program during a challenging time in her own life.

“Education is a passion of mine and the idea of tutoring and mentoring students inspired me to apply,” Greene said. “It has been a very fulfilling experience.”

For Greene, a typical day at the Durfee Innovation Center involves setting up the classroom, assigning students to tutors based on their needs and providing her own expertise in English and social studies.

“Each one of my tutors takes a table, and as kids come in, I assign them to the tutor I feel would assist them the best,” she said. “We have multiple tutors with different specialties such as math and English. I also assist my tutors if they are unsure how to help a student most efficiently.”

Greene’s leadership and dedication have not only impacted the students but also her own academic and professional development.

“Serving as coordinator for the program, I now have insight into how one must lead a team and work alongside professional departments such as HR,” she said. “Naturally, tutoring is the main component of this internship; however, also being in charge of the inner workings of it, such as recruiting, funding and managing peers, has made me feel more prepared for the professional world.”

One memorable success story from her time tutoring involved a fifth-grade student who struggled with reading and writing. Through consistent practice and encouragement, the student gained confidence and eventually achieved his first 100% on a spelling test.

“I felt proud and fulfilled. It felt great to make a difference,” Greene said.

The Warrior United Tutoring Program provides a crucial service for Detroit K-12 students, many of whom face the challenges of an underfunded education system.

“Simply having a quiet, supportive space to get their homework done and go over their lessons makes a difference,” Greene added. “I feel myself and my fellow tutors make an impact through mentoring. Students can ask us questions regarding college and look up to us.”

Looking to the future, Greene envisions the program growing to serve more students and hopes it continues to pave the way for other intern tutoring programs at Wayne State University. “I hope that the program continues after I leave WSU and expands to perhaps more days a week and a larger classroom so we can serve more students,” she said.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean Steffi Hartwell praised the program and Greene’s contributions.

“Arial’s dedication and leadership in the Warrior United Tutoring Program have been exceptional,” Hartwell said. “She embodies the spirit of Wayne State by making a tangible difference in the community and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.”

WSU students interested in being a Warrior United tutor can apply by Aug. 15, 2024 at go.wayne.edu/wut-24-app.