Published: June 16, 2008 11:58 pm         

Rose student, entrepreneur working to get tutoring business going

TERRE HAUTE — Students struggling with algebra, chemistry and other subjects now have a new resource at their disposal.

Matt Fouts, 20, a Terre Haute native and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology junior, has started a tutoring business called Rose-Learning. The Web site, with contact information, is at www.rose-learning.com. The business entrepreneur has three other Rose-Hulman students tutoring with him: Jon Krotz, Stutay Monga and Jama Johnson.

The business is just now getting off the ground, and it is accepting applications for students. Rose-Learning is a private venture and not affiliated with the college.

Fouts, who has worked with Rose-Hulman’s Homework Hotline in the past, became aware that some students need more personal, one-on-one assistance. “I saw that the kids sometimes didn’t understand,” he said.

By offering the one-on-one service, the tutors can better explain concepts and show students how to answer a question or solve a problem.

The cost is $25 per hour, and Fouts believes that initially tutoring would be offered once a week for its clients. The sessions will be offered at a downtown public facility.

The tutoring is available to all age groups: elementary, middle school, high school and college. The subjects include, but are not limited to, a broad range of math and science subjects: algebra, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, physics and biology. “Math and science are definitely our strong point,” Fouts said.

Some but not all Rose-Learning tutors have tutoring experience. “It’s a kind a

new venture for all of us,” Fouts said.

He noted that clients are being taught “by some of the brightest students in the United States.” He selected tutors based on their personality, experience and involvement.

If a subject is not currently offered, Rose-Learning will try to arrange it. Tutoring in some extracurricular activities, such as chess and piano, also will be available, although the prices will vary.

The tutors each have outside jobs and will have to arrange the tutoring around their schedules. Evening and weekend hours are available. Space is limited, Fouts said.

For younger students, Rose-Learning will want to meet with a parent to set up tutoring times and obtain emergency information.

Fouts is a product of the Vigo County School Corp. and attended Honey Creek Middle School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School.

For more information or to set up an appointment, call Fouts at (812) 241-5653 or contact him by e-mail at Foutsma1@rose-hulman.edu.