The transformation hasn’t been limited to numbers. The Bishop Kelley Robotics team now makes monthly visits, leading hands-on STEM activities, like the rocket workshop in the photo to the left. Student-athletes and fine arts participants bring enrichment programs to life, while faculty and staff from Bishop Kelley volunteer their time and talents, strengthening bonds across the community.
Building Bridges Through Learning: How the North Tulsa Learning Center Is Transforming Lives
July 8, 2025
By Ms. Christine Tyler, Social Studies Faculty, NTLC Volunteer Adviser
In the heart of North Tulsa, where vibrant community spirit meets a passion for equity, a quiet revolution in education is underway. The North Tulsa Learning Center (NTLC) is not just a place for academic tutoring—it’s a thriving hub of mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity.
Founded in the 2021–2022 school year, NTLC was born from a vision shared by the sister parishes of St. Monica and St. Augustine, along with members of the Bishop Kelley High School community. These leaders came together in the spring of 2021 to confront educational disparities and respond directly to the needs of the Tulsa community. What started as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a dynamic, student-powered program that bridges more than just achievement gaps—it bridges communities.
At its core, NTLC offers free, student-led tutoring in reading and math for K–8 students, serving as a lifeline for young learners in underrepresented neighborhoods. But it’s more than tutoring; it’s a movement toward academic growth and socio-demographic equity.
Humble Beginnings, Transformational Growth
NTLC’s first year was modest: just four students and a small group of Bishop Kelley volunteers. But its impact was immediate—and so was its potential. Fast forward to the 2023–2024 school year, and NTLC had expanded exponentially. Nearly 100 Bishop Kelley students contributed over 550 hours of service, supporting an average of 15 elementary and middle school students per session.
A Space Reimagined
Housed in the St. Augustine Parish Hall, NTLC has also undergone a physical transformation, thanks to generous supporters. The once-simple learning space now includes a library of over 600 books, instructional materials, and educational games—all aimed at sparking curiosity and deepening engagement.
In 2024, a grant enabled the purchase of student-focused furniture, enhanced classroom security, and improved resource storage—creating an environment where students can truly thrive. Ergonomic chairs, collaborative seating, bean bags, and vibrant rugs have turned the center into a space that feels as welcoming as it is functional.
“When we began the 2024–2025 tutoring year in September, we celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said an NTLC representative. “Each classroom ribbon was cut with joy and anticipation. From day one, our volunteers noticed the difference—the kids were more focused, more engaged, more excited to learn.”
More Than a Program—A Partnership
What truly sets NTLC apart is the relationships it fosters. The center has become a bridge between the North Tulsa and Bishop Kelley communities, creating space for authentic mentorship and meaningful connections. High school students grow as leaders and role models, while younger learners gain confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
The gratitude is profound. “Your investment in our center goes beyond furniture—it directly enhances the educational experience of every student who walks through our doors,” the NTLC team shared in a message to a private donor. “We would love for you to visit and see firsthand the difference your contribution has made.”
A Vision for the Future
NTLC’s success is rooted in ongoing collaboration. Bi-annual meetings with school and parish leaders ensure the program continues to evolve, always guided by the needs of the community it serves. What began as a shared dream has grown into a powerful force for change—one that continues to write a story of resilience, unity, and hope.
In a world where educational inequality remains a daunting challenge, the North Tulsa Learning Center offers a model of what’s possible when compassion meets commitment. And in the laughter, focus, and discovery echoing through its halls, the future of Tulsa shines just a little brighter.
TULSA — A lifelong Tulsa educator has been nominated for the 2025-26 Lumen Christi Award presented each year by the Catholic Extension Society. Christine Tyler is a model for setting a positive tone and loving your neighbor as yourself. As a history and social studies teacher at Bishop Kelley High School in Tulsa — coincidentally, named after Catholic Extension Society's founder and the Diocese of Tulsa's second bishop, Francis Clement Kelley — she sees each student through the eyes of God. She is highly regarded by her students for her unwavering mentorship well beyond the classroom. But her passion doesn't stop there-it shines in her work toward North Tulsa Learning Center's mission to empower students and bridge the achievement gap among K-8 youth from north Tulsa's underrepresented areas. Tutors and volunteers at NTLC are moved by Mark 12:31 in their work for young learners: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." The center launched collaboratively in 2021 between leaders from two northside parishes — St. Monica and St. Augustine — and Bishop Kelley High School to provide free tutoring in reading and math. Tyler has been instrumental in creating a more accessible program in the last few years. Since its inception, NTC hosts monthly STEM, athletics and fine arts activities with nearly 100 Bishop Kelley students contributing more than 500 hours of service annually — a testament to Tyler's role in building bridges between the school and Tulsa neighborhood communities. Her impact is also felt outside academics. She actively supports the faith by incorporating Catholic values into her teaching and playing piano at school Masses. Bishop of Tulsa David A. Konderla commended Tyler's tireless work. Read more about her work with the North Tulsa Learning Center HERE. About Catholic Extension Society: Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America. For more information visit www.catholicextension.org ; follow on Facebook at: facebook.com/catholicextension or on X at @CathExtension. About the Lumen Christi Award: Since its inception in 1978, the Lumen Christi Award, Catholic Extension Society’s highest honor, has been given annually to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve. This year’s 41 nominees are individuals and institutions who lead others closer to God and transform communities. They have been nominated for this award by their bishop because their stories showcase the mission of the Church in action. Each nominee will receive $1,500 to benefit their ministry. From this group of finalists, the Lumen Christi Award honoree will be named in the fall, along with a $100,000 prize. ($50,000 to their nominating diocese and $50,000 to advance the honoree’s ministry).
For Immediate Release Two hundred and fifty-seven Bishop Kelley students took a record six hundred and twenty-six Advanced Placement (AP) tests in May, 2025 with an extraordinary 85% scoring “3” or higher. Nineteen percent of Bishop Kelley test takers scored the highest possible “5” on their exams, the equivalent of “Extremely Well Qualified” according to the College Board which administers the international testing. A “5” equates to an A+ or A in college level classes. Internationally, only 9% of all tests earn a “5” score. Another thirty-six percent of Bishop Kelley students scored at the second highest tier, a “4,” equal to ”Very well Qualified,” a level only achieved by twenty percent of all testers. The record number of exams for Bishop Kelley students cover a wide range of disciplines including science, math, English, social studies, fine arts, world languages and business. The largest number of tests for Bishop Kelley students included one hundred and thirteen AP English Language and Composition students, followed by eighty-six students who took the AP United States Government test, and seventy-one who took the AP United States History exam. Bishop Kelley students scored the highest average on the second-year AP Precalculus exam with a school mean score of 4.6, followed by AP Physics I with a mean score of 4.3. In the 2024-2025 school year, Bishop Kelley offered AP tests in twenty-four different subject areas. Fifty-eight percent of Bishop Kelley alumni in the Class of 2025 graduated with a “3” or higher on at least one AP exam in their high school tenure. The Advanced Placement program is sponsored by the College Board. Research has proven that students who take AP classes are more likely to enroll in and complete four-year colleges.
