Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY GO, INC.
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: GO
Mailing Address: 505 Linn Street
City: ITHACA
State: NY
Postal Code: 14850
Main Phone: 607-342-0980
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.gotutors.org
Employer ID Number: 45-5280487
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 1/12/2026
Requested Amount: 9.300

Project Title: GO Tutoring + Mentorship
Project Description:

Founded in 2005, Golden Opportunity (GO) provides equitable, high-impact educational support to economically disadvantaged students in grades 2–8 who are performing below grade level in reading and math. What began with three students has grown to serve up to 75 of the Ithaca City School District’s most vulnerable children annually across eight elementary and three middle schools. GO focuses on students who are often quiet, overlooked, or struggling with undiagnosed learning challenges and whose caregivers cannot afford private tutoring. For these students, GO removes barriers to access and provides sustained academic advocacy and mentorship, helping them become confident learners.

Students are referred by classroom teachers and principals based on significant academic and financial need. Beginning in second grade, each student is matched with a dedicated, trained tutor—typically a retired or current educator—who remains with the student for seven years or more. This long-term relationship provides stability, trust, and individualized instruction aligned with classroom standards. GO’s model reflects best practices in High-Impact Tutoring, emphasizing frequent one-on-one sessions, consistent tutor-student pairings, and data-informed instruction. Learning goals are established in collaboration with classroom teachers and reviewed three times annually to ensure measurable progress.

GO addresses both academic and systemic barriers to success. In addition to tutoring, students receive mentorship, social-emotional support, healthy snacks, take-home meals, and transportation when needed. Tutors collaborate closely with caregivers and teachers, advocate for additional services, and help students develop executive functioning, organization, and study skills as they advance into middle school. Tutors receive ongoing professional development in Math, English Language Arts, and DEI to ensure culturally responsive and effective instruction.

GO’s impact is measurable and lasting. Annual evaluations show that 100% of participating students demonstrate academic growth and 100% successfully complete the program. Over the past 20 years, GO has served more than 1,200 students, with 67% going on to attend college or trade school. Funding will support direct tutoring, training, evaluation, and wraparound services, ensuring that students not only meet academic standards but thrive as confident, capable learners.

Total Project Budget: 176,600

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Human Services Coaltion of Tompkins County, United Way of Tompkins County, Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, The Henry E Niles Foundation, Community Foundation of Tompkins County, Harry Chapin Foundation

Project Duration: September 2025 to June 2026
Geographical Area Served: Ithaca City School District, Ithaca, NY, Tompkins County
Age Group To Be Served: 7 to 13 years

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Marne
Contact Last Name: Honigbaum
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 607-342-0980
Contact Email: director@gotutors.org