The United States Naval Academy curriculum can present challenges to academically overwhelmed Midshipmen during their four-year stay. However, the Midshipman Group Study Program (MGSP) is one of many resources available to help struggling students.

For almost 15 years, the MGSP provided academic support for Midshipmen, by Midshipmen. A team of 61 faculty members works with 61 group leaders to provide additional tutoring assistance in a variety of subjects from chemistry, calculus, physics, navigation and more.

''MGSP is an important academic support program,'' said Wendy Wilson, Program Director. ''It gets Mids further involved in the learning process. When you put them in groups teaching one another, they learn the content differently than if they were working on their own.''

The program is Midshipmen-run, with the staff coordinating with Wilson and the respective subject faculty. In order to become a group leader, a Midshipman must have proficiency in the course they wish to tutor and a professor’s recommendation. Each group leader then receives weekly training in instruction coordination and material updates in their courses.

''My sophomore year, I was pretty good at calculus and I wanted to help people out. I’ve been doing this since then,'' said Midn. 1⁄C Brigitte Klene, a group leader supervisor. ''For those helping, sometimes teaching others can also help you to better understand the subject yourself.''

''I enjoyed this as a plebe and I still come almost everyday,'' said Midn. 3⁄C Aaron Trevino. ''Different people have different ways of teaching and this is a great way to continue learning outside of the classroom.''