Tutoring Online Program (TOP): A Successful Global Experience

This report describes the Tutoring Online Program (TOP), an educational intervention launched in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic to support students affected by school disruptions. The program paired middle and high school students with volunteer university tutors for individualized online learning sessions. Evaluated using a randomized controlled trial, TOP significantly improved academic performance, socio-emotional well-being, and educational engagement, with especially large benefits for low-income and immigrant students. The report highlights the scalability and effectiveness of structured online tutoring programs in mitigating educational inequality during crises.