Our Mission is to Educate Youth,
High School Students, and Adults.
Program & Service Overview
The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Education Center of Philadelphia, Inc. offers free tutoring in basic and advanced subjects, including math, reading, writing, biology, and chemistry, to students in Grades 1–12. Tutoring is available in all subjects, taught by PA-certified teachers, to students attending Philadelphia public schools and public charter schools, with a specific emphasis on all Title I schools.
Two-Hour Tutoring Sessions
The first hour of the two-hour free tutoring session focuses on reviewing what students learned that day. The purpose is to reinforce the day's concepts and make sure students understand their schoolwork so they can pass any test.
The teacher reviews homework to make sure students understand their schoolwork. I also provide help with assignments and special projects given by the school.
The second hour reinforces weak foundational skills, paving the way for advanced work and deeper understanding.
Areas taught include basic math concepts such as:
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Addition
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Subtraction
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Borrowing
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Carrying numbers
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Multiplication
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Division
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Fractions
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Decimals
These concepts build the foundation for understanding math concepts. When these basic concepts are not taught or reinforced, advanced math concepts become difficult to master. Students will not understand parts of numbers, such as whole numbers and measuring units, until they master whole-number concepts.
Reading and Phonics
Reading in schools today does not use phonics, which lays the foundation for reading. Students are taught to read through sight and memorization, which does not build the foundation they need. Phonics using long and short vowels lays the foundation for reading. Basic concepts include long and short vowels and digraphs, which lay the foundation for reading. Once students master these concepts, they can develop stronger reading skills and read more fluently.
Comprehension skills are also emphasized. Comprehension improves as children read and discuss what they read.
Writing Skills
Students learn the foundations of writing, including the eight parts of speech, sentence development, and how they work together.
Students develop writing skills by learning how sentences work in paragraphs and summaries and by using transitional sentences. Writing skills are also connected to concepts from other subjects.
The goal is to strengthen the basic foundation in reading, mathematics, English, and writing so students can better understand the concepts being taught in school and progress to
more advanced work.
Free Educational Community Services
Free educational community services include tutoring, GED classes, and resources for civil service exams, literacy, the military ASVAB, and college-specific services, including community colleges and all other colleges. We provide free workshops for teachers on classroom management, with packets demonstrating methods for teaching reading, math, and English, as well as teaching methods and instruction.
Free computer classes are available to senior citizens who need to learn how to use computers, including how to pay bills.
We provide free textbooks, school supplies, art supplies, and other educational materials. The program also accommodates special requests for school supplies, special orders, and specific educational materials.
We provide advice to entrepreneurs who want to improve their business practices. Specific classes and instruction are also available in real estate.
Free Computers, School Furniture and Equipment
Free computers have been provided for computer labs at several Philadelphia public high schools, along with desks and chairs. Computers have also been provided to several Philadelphia public charter schools. Free school furniture has been provided to several elementary, middle, and high schools, including tables, chairs, desks, and other classroom materials.
Veronica J. Joyner, M.Ed., the founder and Chief Administrative Officer of The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Education Center of Philadelphia, Inc., serves as an education chairperson and advisor to 14 community organizations, including the Philadelphia chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Philadelphia chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), and the Philadelphia chapter of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW), the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association for Black Social Workers (NABSW), and the Philadelphia chapter of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Black Caucus. She regularly updates these groups on current education issues and also updates the broader community on TV, radio, and in the newspaper.
Veronica J. Joyner, M. Ed.
Chief Administrative Officer
As a result of her efforts, Veronica J. Joyner was presented with the following awards, among many others: City and Government Citations & Commendations Citations from members of the Philadelphia City Council and the United States Congress The 2nd Annual Honorable Lucien E. Blackwell “Guiding Lights in the Community Award” from Mayor John F. Street Titan 100 WIPFLI Commendation from Senator Street The Women Making a Difference Award from Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Citation from the City of Philadelphia, Michael A. Nutter, Mayor Citation from Mayor Edward Rendell Women Who Make a Difference Award from the Pennsylvania Senate Women Making a Difference Award from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor The Philadelphia State Legislators Award Awards by Radio, Television & News Media WDAS Women of Excellence Luncheon Philadelphia Tribune’s 100 Influential African Americans 107.9 WRNB’s Hometown Hero Award The WHAT Radio Talk Show Host, Mary Mason’s Mother of the Year Award, presented by Governor Ed Rendell The WCAU-TV 10 Spirit of Philadelphia Award The WDAS Teacher of the Month WDAS Radio's Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things Award The KYW-3 Making a Difference Award Awards for Achievement of Excellence in Educational Leadership & Public Service The Martin Luther King Drum Major for Educational Justice Award The Urban League’s Leadership Award The Madame C. J. Walker Award from the National Coalition of 100 African American Women, Inc. The 181 Points of Light Award The Mary McCloud Bethune Award The Women’s Way Woman of Courage Award Tribute to Mrs. Veronica J. Joyner from the Graduating Class of The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter School Lectureship Program, Medical Society of Eastern PA, Affiliate of the National Medical Association Innovative Leadership and Service to the Community: 19th Annual Mercy Douglass The U.S. Department of Education’s John Stanford American Education Hero Award Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Medal World Champion Education, Smokin' Joe Frazier Award Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Torch Bearer Service Award Kappa Community Development Corp Outstanding Achievement Teacher Commendation from The School District of Philadelphia for outstanding classroom performance Perfect Attendance award during my tenure of teaching with the Philadelphia School District Salute to Greatness Lifetime Achievement Educational Justice Award Yorktown Arms Resident’s Council: Women Achievers Celebration Golden Rose Award Empire Mock Trial Competition Hugs Award given by a women’s shelter Educator of the Year Award Empowering Today’s Youth with a Spirit of Excellence Award Awards for Excellence & Achievement from the National Organization for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Philadelphia Branch) Certificate of Life Membership of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP NAACP’s Outstanding Citizen Award The Women in the NAACP 100 Influential African American Women in Philadelphia Award The “Salute to African American Women” Award from the Philadelphia and New Jersey NAACP, presented by Reverend Al Sharpton NAACP’s Outstanding Citizen Award NAACP Philly Image Award
Free Tutoring
Grades 1 - 12
Monday-Thursday
Free tutoring services to low income children attending Title 1 Philadelphia Public Schools and Public Charter Schools.
Free GED Exam Tutoring
MCSEC offers (GED) exam classes for youth and adults. We also offer exam classes for adults seeking entry into the military, as well as for other careers...
Free Educational Services
for High School Students
MCSEC offers comprehensive free educational services for youth and high school students, with a strong emphasis on preparing seniors for college, trade school, and financial aid.
Free Voter Education
We provide assistance with voter registration and educate the community on the importance of voting. We do not endorse any particular party; we solely focus on registration and voter education.
Free Tutoring Programs and Free Services
We connect citizens with housing, social services, and various forms of assistance. We strive to link Philadelphia residents with resources, including housing, employment, education, and state and government services, through our events.
Free Community Connection Services
We offer classroom management classes for school teachers and school administrators. We also offer free Reading and Math workshops for students, parents, school teachers, and school administrators.