Dr. Butler embarked on a quest to find math tutoring services for her gifted and talented 2nd-grade daughter. Frustrated by the absence of suitable resources within the regular school system, she envisioned the inception of a weekend volunteer tutoring program aimed at empowering minority students in the realm of mathematics.
January 2000:
The program officially began as a home-based tutoring initiative, initially serving three 2nd-grade students known as "Around the Kitchen Table." These students attended Forest Knolls Elementary in Silver Spring, MD.
March 2000:
Fueled by her dedication and using her personal funds, Dr. Butler responded to the escalating demand for tutoring services by securing rented space at Forest Knolls Elementary in Silver Spring, MD. As the program continued to grow, it extended its welcoming arms to accommodate 37 students seeking academic support. Initially without a name, the program discovered its identity when Dr. Butler's daughter watched "Ghostbusters," serving as the inspiration for its christening as "GapBuster Learning Center." This name encapsulated the program's unwavering commitment to closing the academic gap between minority and non-minority students. In its quest to amplify its impact, the program enlisted the valuable assistance of high school students from Montgomery Blair High School, who wholeheartedly contributed to the tutoring efforts.
June 2000:
Remarkable progress was observed as all 37 students demonstrated improvement of at least one letter grade in mathematics, highlighting the program's effectiveness.
July 2000:
GapBuster Learning Center marked a significant milestone by inaugurating its Summer School Program, broadening its scope of educational support beyond the regular academic year. This initiative provided 60 students with comprehensive educational assistance, encompassing both math and reading/language arts.
Received 1st Grant of $35,000 from Fannie Mae Foundation.
Received a grant of $1.2 million for three years from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools to implement a Cross-Tutorial and Therapeutic Mentoring Program.
Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), GapBuster Learning Center became a Supplemental Educational Services Provider, serving Title I schools in Maryland (Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, and Baltimore County).
Expanded Supplemental Educational Services Provider services to California and Delaware. Reached the milestone of servicing the first 1,000 clients.
Partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Silver Spring, MD, for an exchange trip to South Africa with Teen HIV/AIDS Peer Health Educators, eventually taking over 120 certified Peer Educators aged 11 to 18 to South Africa over the next 9 years.
Conducted the first exchange program that brought 6 South African students to the USA.
Became a 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC). Reached the milestone of serving over 7,500 students. Established a National Society of Black Engineer (NSBE), Jr. Chapter, serving students in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Achieved the remarkable milestone of serving over 20,000 students.
Expanded operations to Ghana.