Concord trust awards $75,000 grant to expand math tutoring program into Cabarrus County Schools
The nonprofit Heart Math Tutoring, which is currently recruiting 60 volunteers, will launch its volunteer-based tutoring program at Wolf Meadow Elementary this fall.
A $75,000 grant from the Concord-based Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust will help bring a volunteer-driven math tutoring program to Cabarrus County Schools for the first time this fall.
The funding will allow Charlotte-based nonprofit Heart Math Tutoring to launch its one-on-one tutoring program at Wolf Meadow Elementary School during the 2026-27 school year, serving 50 students identified by school staff as needing additional math support.
The grant will fund on-site program staff, curriculum materials and family engagement efforts to establish and sustain the program.
Heart Math Tutoring partners with elementary schools to improve math proficiency and build students’ confidence through individualized instruction. Students in the program receive 30-minute tutoring sessions twice a week during the school day from trained community volunteers.
Heart Math Tutoring, according to its website, aims to help students build "number sense" — a deeper understanding of how numbers work rather than simply memorizing formulas and procedures. The organization says strong foundational math skills in the elementary grades help prepare students for more advanced coursework later in school.
To support the new Cabarrus County program, Heart Math Tutoring is recruiting about 60 volunteer tutors. Volunteers commit about one hour per week between October and April and can choose from two tutoring windows Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1:15 to 2:20 p.m.
The organization provides volunteers with training, lesson materials and support from an on-site program coordinator.
“Heart Math Tutoring is grateful to the Mariam and Robert Hayes Charitable Trust for their investment in young learners in our community,” said Cydney Clifton, Heart’s executive director of national partnerships. “Our volunteers are paired with the students they work with, and the consistent math practice and mentorship from a dedicated tutor makes a meaningful difference in both a student’s performance and self-confidence.”
The expansion comes as educators continue working to improve elementary math achievement.
According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, just 27% of economically disadvantaged fourth-grade students in North Carolina scored proficient in math.
Founded in 2013, Heart Math Tutoring serves more than 1,300 students at 33 schools across Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Charleston, South Carolina.
During the 2025-26 school year, the organization said 97% of students who completed the program met their math growth goals by improving in at least two foundational concept areas. More than 90% of participating teachers also reported increased student confidence and enthusiasm toward math.
Community members interested in volunteering with the new Cabarrus County program can learn more at heartmathtutoring.org.