Homework Hotline: Free academic help returns to students in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Homework Hotline is back up and running for another school year in Tennessee. 

It’s a program that helps students who feel stuck on an assignment when their teacher isn’t around. 

According to the nonprofit, their mission is to remove barriers to high-quality after-school academic support by connecting students with teachers over the phone and using an online chat. 

In 2023, the program worked with more than 2,000 students and parents. Students from kindergarten all the way up to advanced placement level coursework can use the program.

Shanique McCallister Nixon, executive director for Homework Hotline, said she knows how helpful the program can be because she was once part of it.

“Myself and so many others are a testament to the amazing work that Homework Hotline has offered and continues to offer. But we also have parents who attest to us every year, even this year, of like how their students have grown so substantially,” recalled Nixon. “Many of them have students with learning differences, such as ADHD or other things, and they’ve attested that the patience and support that our licensed educators provide just helps them grow so much.”

Since their creation, the nonprofit has expanded their services. In fact, there’s now weekly tutoring along with homework help sessions provided at no cost to students and their families. 

The program started in Middle Tennessee and has now expanded statewide. 

“We’ve had students that have gone from nearly failing to being on honor roll in the past year alone,” said Nixon. “All of our tutors are licensed educators across the state of Tennessee. Many of them are licensed in the school districts that our students are in.”

The Homework Hotline has been around for more than 30 years and offers academic support in English, French, Hindi and Spanish.

Students can get homework help by giving the hotline a call at 615-298-6636. The program is available from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Thursday evenings.

Parents can also go the Homework Hotline website to schedule days and times they’re available. To learn more about the program, click here.