Promoting civic engagement and societal change

Student Connection, a Kravis Lab for Social Impact program, pairs trained college students with local K-12 students in the Pomona school district to provide free, one-on-one high-impact peer tutoring to all irrespective of their financial status. We empower youth and offer an affordable option of academic support to families affected by inequity, promoting civic understanding, public participation, and meaningful engagement.

Meet the Team

Lisa Gorelik

Team Lead | Philosophy & Literature Dual Major, CMC '25

Student Connection is meaningful to me because I know how intimidating it is to initially ask for help, and how much easier it gets when you build a relationship with your tutor to keep coming back for support.

I have been with Student Connection since its inception at Claremont during my freshman year. Apart from leading the Student Connection team, I am also a passionate writer and avid scrapbooker.

Josh Wolters

Founder & Advisor | CMC '25

In helping bring Student Connection to CMC, I hoped to see not only this impactful tool benefit the students in the community our school resides in, but to offer a chance for my peers to experience the joys of tutoring.

David Walker

Education and Civics Fellow | Government, CMC '25

I believe a robust and equitable education system is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. For that reason, and because the 5Cers who share that belief and/or dedicate their time to tutoring are so wonderful, Student Connection is a passion of mine. I also love to hoop, read, bike, and spend time with friends and family in the great outdoors.

Andrew Rizko

Logistics Coordinator, CMC '26

I joined Student Connection to help give back to my community and support underserved youth in the educational system.

Talia de Beer

Marketing Lead, CMC '25

I strongly believe in the importance of raising awareness for Student Connection on campus. By promoting this initiative, we can empower students to make a tangible difference in addressing educational inequity, fostering a culture of support and opportunity for all.

My simple pleasures include sun, ice cream, and Bossa Nova.