As a student at Chapman University, Maya Yesharim (BA ’21 and MA ’22) discovered a passion for building community while undertaking fieldwork in local Orange County schools. While still an undergraduate, Maya founded Students Help Students, a tutoring company that allows her to utilize her teaching experience while giving back to the community.

While pursuing her degree in Integrated Educational Studies (IES) from Chapman’s Attallah College of Educational Studies, Maya worked as a teacher’s assistant and for Chapman’s First-Generation Programs. She also added a minor in Leadership Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership Development.

Maya started Students Help Students, now in its second year, during the COVID-19 shift to remote instruction. As an experienced tutor, many parents were reaching out asking for her services during these difficult circumstances. She also knew that there were many college students from Chapman and other local universities who were looking for work.

The company matches tutors with subject matter expertise to K-12 students in Orange County based on the children’s needs. Most of the Students Help Students tutors are Chapman undergraduates or graduate students, with specialties that include math, language arts, history and science. In the past year, Students Help Students has been able to help more than 70 students with tutoring and school supplies.

A portion of all company profits are donated to local Orange County nonprofit organization Higher Ground Youth and Family Services in Anaheim, California. To learn more, visit learningwithshs.wixsite.com/website.