The Laura Bungarz Sponsored Tutoring Program connects Winnipeg students with one-to-one tutoring when the family’s primary barrier to accessing suitable support is financial.
Local businesses, organizations and individual community members purchase tutoring hours through the program. Eligible students are then matched with an appropriate tutor based on their academic needs, location, schedule and available sponsorship funding.
The program operates as a social enterprise. It provides tutoring services while using community sponsorships to make those services accessible to families who could not otherwise afford them.
Who is the Program For?
Sponsored tutoring may be available for a student who:
- Lives in Winnipeg
- Attends a Winnipeg public or independent school or is registered for homeschooling in Manitoba
- Has a specific academic need that can be addressed through one-to-one tutoring
- Can participate consistently in scheduled tutoring sessions
- Does not currently have access to suitable tutoring because cost is the family’s primary barrier
The program is not formally income-tested, and proof of income is not ordinarily required. Citizenship and immigration status do not affect eligibility.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Placement depends on eligibility, academic fit, sponsorship funding, tutor availability, scheduling and location.
What Subject Areas are Available?
Sponsored tutoring may address:
English Language Arts, Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Reading comprehension
- Writing and written expression
- Spelling
- Grammar
Foundational Mathematics, Kindergarten to Grade 8
Tutoring may address foundational skills, gaps in understanding and grade-level mathematics difficulties.
English as an Additional Language
EAL support is available within the English Language Arts and foundational mathematics areas listed above. EAL status alone does not establish eligibility.
The program does not provide general homework supervision, enrichment or advanced learning, high-school mathematics, science, social studies, French-language instruction, standardized-test preparation, assessment, diagnosis, counselling or therapeutic services.
How Does it Work?
1. A family applies
The family completes the initial application describing the student’s academic need and the financial barrier preventing access to suitable tutoring.
2. Eligibility is reviewed
Applications are reviewed for program eligibility and academic fit.
3. Learning needs and placement details are collected
Eligible families complete a Student Placement and Learning Needs Form. This provides the information needed to identify a starting point and arrange an appropriate placement.
4. A tutor is matched
Placement details may be shared anonymously with suitable tutors. Tutors decide whether they are available and prepared to accept the placement.
When more than one tutor is available, the family may be given a choice between the tutors who have accepted consideration.
5. Tutoring begins
The family receives the proposed placement details and completes a Family Placement Agreement before tutoring begins.
Tutoring is provided primarily at a Winnipeg public library or, by arrangement, in the student’s home.
Who Provides the Tutoring?
The program is operated and overseen by Laura Bungarz, B.Ed., a Manitoba- and Saskatchewan-certified teacher with more than 20 years of experience and a TESL certificate.
Laura currently provides tutoring in:
- English Language Arts from Kindergarten to Grade 12
- Foundational mathematics from Kindergarten to Grade 8
- Academic EAL support within those subject areas
As the program grows, additional qualified tutors may be approved to accept placements in their areas of experience. Families will receive information about available tutors before confirming a match.
Who Can Sponsor Tutoring?
Sponsorships may be purchased by:
- Local businesses
- Community organizations
- Professional practices
- Service clubs
- Individual community members
- Groups of people sponsoring together
A business is not required to participate. Individuals who want to help may sponsor tutoring personally and may choose whether they wish to be publicly recognized.
Current sponsorship options are:
- 10 tutoring hours for $375
- 16 tutoring hours for $600
- 32 tutoring hours for $1,200
Custom and program-wide sponsorships may also be arranged.
What do Sponsors Receive?
Sponsors receive:
- A business invoice and payment receipt
- Confirmation that the sponsorship has been received
- Anonymous information about the tutoring hours funded
- An Impact Summary describing the skills addressed and progress observed
- Optional recognition on eligible community-facing program materials
Sponsors do not receive the student’s or family’s name, school, address, contact information or other identifying information.
Sponsorships are business purchases rather than charitable donations. The program is not a registered charity, and charitable tax receipts are not issued.
Family and Sponsor Privacy
Families are told which business, organization or individual funded their tutoring.
Sponsors do not communicate directly with families and do not participate in eligibility or tutor-matching decisions. Any information provided to a sponsor is anonymous.
Before a tutor accepts consideration for a placement, the tutor receives only the information needed to evaluate academic fit, availability and location. Identifying information is shared with the selected tutor only after the family has approved the match.
Program Policies
The Laura Bungarz Sponsored Tutoring Program uses written policies to keep expectations clear for families, sponsors and tutors.
The policies explain:
- Student eligibility and available subject areas
- The application, placement and tutor-matching process
- Sponsorship rates and administration
- Family and tutor responsibilities
- Attendance, cancellations and unused hours
- Privacy and sponsor reporting
- Program limitations and safety expectations
Families, sponsors and tutors are encouraged to review the policies that apply to their participation in the program.
Current version: September 2026
Take the Next Step
Families
If your child has a specific academic need and cost is the primary barrier to accessing suitable tutoring, complete the Family Application.
Sponsors
Businesses, organizations and individuals can purchase tutoring hours for an eligible Winnipeg student.
Questions?
For questions or custom sponsorship arrangements, contact:
laura@laurabungarz.ca
431-294-7998
Or use the contact form.