LA HABRA : Tutor Honored With Presidential Award

Rose Espinoza, a computer designer who began an after-school tutoring program for needy children in her garage three years ago, will be recognized with a presidential Volunteer Action Award today at the White House in Washington.

Espinoza, 42, is one of 21 volunteers across the country named as winners of the award this year.

President Clinton will present the awards, which have been sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation for 13 years. The awards recognize people for their contributions to their communities and volunteerism, White House officials said.

“What Rose does in her neighborhood is representative of what needs to be done in communities all over the country,” said Jess Sarmiento, a White House aide. “She tutors disadvantaged youths who normally would not get that kind of attention, and she should be really proud of that.”

Espinoza’s garage looks like a classroom, complete with chalkboards, desks and book-filled shelves. Many of the children in her poor Fifth Avenue neighborhood get little help with their schoolwork at home because their parents speak little English.

In addition to tutoring elementary, middle and high school students, Espinoza offers English classes for parents.

Espinoza, a computer designer at Beckman Instruments in Brea, said her tutoring program helps her students boost their grades and motivates them to learn.

“I can’t believe I’m getting this award,” Espinoza said last week upon being notified of her selection. “All I did was move back to the neighborhood where I grew up to help out.”