Empowering Future Generations

We empower underserved students with the tools, confidence, and support needed to build lasting pathways to success.

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our purpose

Why our work matters

5X
Low-income students have a higher dropout rate than middle-income peers.
82%
Underserved students did not meet California Math standards.
3X
Foreign-born Hispanic students have higher dropout rates vs Black students.
66%
Underserved students did not meet California ELA standards.
EducationForAll
2 yrs behind
Underserved students were not meeting standards after the pandemic in comparison to the national average.
4X
Foreign-born Hispanic students have a higher dropout rate than White students.

The Challenge

Underserved middle school students face some of the steepest learning gaps in core subjects, and the pandemic has only widened this divide. Without support, many fall behind, lose confidence, and risk slipping through the cracks.

Our Approach

Our SEA (Successful Educational Achievement) Program connects students with qualified tutors to gain the skills and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. Our approach goes beyond tutoring, fostering lifelong learning habits.

Dashboard mockup
Dashboard mockup

Our Mission

The SEA Program empowers underserved middle school students through personalized academic coaching and mentorship, unlocking potential, building confidence, and fostering a culture of kindness.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every student is empowered to thrive academically, grow with confidence, and lead with compassion.

What’s our student profile?

The SEA Program supports underserved middle school students at risk of falling behind. Many struggle in mainstream classrooms, face failing grades, and lack organizational skills, with private support financially out of reach. We work closely with school counselors to identify those in need and partner with parents to ensure every child receives the guidance they deserve.

sponsor a student

Who are the mentor/tutors?

Our mentors are high-performing university students who bring both academic strength and relatability. Every mentor/tutor is thoroughly vetted by The Emily Shane Foundation before joining the program. They receive proprietary training developed by Ellen Shane in collaboration with Eugene Bream, a master middle school teacher with over 40 years of classroom experience.

Become a mentor

How does it work?

Our program provides consistent one-on-one support by matching each student with a mentor for twice-weekly sessions in person, online, or both. Mentors focus on core academics, study habits, and confidence-building, ensuring students improve their grades while developing the skills they need to thrive long term.

Start with genuine check-ins, building a “big sister” or “big brother” bond, so every student feels seen.
Provide personalized guidance to build critical organizational skills and subject-specific tools.
Teach in ways that fit each student’s individual learning style, helping them shine in their own way.
How you can help

Let's empower together for a brighter future.

Donate
Your gift supports the SEA Program overall, helping us provide one-on-one tutoring, mentorship, and essential learning resources to more underserved students. Donations expand access, strengthen program delivery, and ensure we can meet student needs as they evolve.
Sponsor
Sponsorship provides direct, time-bound support for SEA students through structured one-on-one tutoring and mentorship. Each level funds a defined period of support, from three months to a full academic year, ensuring students receive consistent guidance, accountability, and academic stability.
Join Us
We welcome individuals and organizations looking to collaborate, partner, or support our work. Whether you’re interested in contributing to events, volunteering your time, or exploring meaningful partnerships, there are many ways to get involved.
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power of mentorship

Become a mentor/tutor

Becoming a mentor/tutor is a deeply rewarding experience that creates meaningful change in both the student’s life and your own. Samantha Colvin, a former mentor/tutor, described the experience as feeling like she had made a real, life-changing difference.

The SEA Program is always looking for committed mentors/tutors to join our team. If interested, please reach out with your resume.

info@emilyshane.org
Article
How a non-profit changed my life
A simple off-campus job opportunity that gave me a different perspective.
Samantha Colvin

Our Partners

Our impact

Stories of Success

Nailah
Nailah, a returning SEA Program participant, dreams of becoming a real estate entrepreneur. With her mentor/tutor Haily's guidance, she improved her English grade from an F to a B and her Algebra grade from a B to an A! Together, they tackle missing assignments and collaborate with teachers to support Nailah’s success. Nailah has enjoyed working with Haily for two years—let’s make it three!
Angel
Angel has taken on extra tasks beyond requirements, demonstrating responsibility and initiative. With consistent support from his mentor Gabriel, and through effective study techniques and concept reinforcement, Angel has made impressive progress. In social studies, he raised his grade from a D to an A-. His improved ability to recall information has become a key strength.
Madison
Madison, a returning SEA Program participant, dreams of becoming a nurse and ultrasound technician like her mom. Though she has faced challenges in math and science, the program offers more than academic support. With the help of her mentor Emma, Madison improved her math grade from an F to a C and is now passing science while building confidence in her abilities.
Mesha
Mesha has shown lovely improvement during her time in the SEA Program. With her mentor/tutor Leila's help, Mesha is working to build a strong foundation in math, improving her confidence and understanding of key concepts. Leila's guidance in setting goals, like memorizing multiplication tables, has been crucial in Mesha’s progress and consistency.
Aubrey
Aubrey has thrived academically with the support of her mentor/tutor Peyton. She has made consistent progress in her history and English assignments, working through her coursework with confidence. With Peyton’s help, Aubrey has built a strong work ethic and remains focused on staying organized and completing her assignments on time.
Ike
Ike, a returning SEA Program participant, set a personal goal for the term: to earn all A’s. Thanks to the individualized support of his mentor/tutor Jennifer, Ike is finishing the term with all A’s and B’s. Ike values working with Jennifer because she takes the time to revisit challenging subjects and explains them in a way that makes sense to him.
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testimonials

Hear what they say

STUDENT
"I was failing science, and now thanks to the SEA Program, I’m passing. I turn in more missing assignments, and I pay more attention in class. I feel like I actually like school more than before."
Karen
8th Grader in Pico Rivera
COUNSELOR
“The tutors that come to my Boys and Girls Club have all cultivated strong relationships with their students—making them feel comfortable and excited to learn. Their parents and my entire staff have noticed these students growing in confidence. I look forward to many more years of partnership with the SEA Program!”
Markie Simmons
Boys and Girls Club-Thousand Oaks
PARENT
"My daughter Leah’s mentor has been a positive role model—she even said she wants to attend the same university. Her mentor is always positive; yet, strict when she needs to be. She makes learning fun and is so attentive and kind. I’m beyond impressed with her ability to connect with her students.”
Jamie, mother of Leah
Malibu Middle School
COUNSELOR
“I’ve had parents in tears because their child was slipping through the cracks and they could not afford tutoring. Thanks to The Emily Shane Foundation, I can offer them personalized tutoring and mentoring from committed, high-performing college students. The SEA Program has been a wonderful gift to our students and parents alike.”
Maya Brown
Wright Middle School
STUDENT
"I used to have an F in math, but now I have an A! Because of the SEA Program, I got all my missing assignments done, and all my grades are A’s and B’s now."
Zack
8th Grader in Malibu
PARENT
“Juan is getting more confidence in himself. I have noticed that he’s able to complete his homework without asking me for help. He has always had trouble reading, and having a mentor has encouraged him to read more on his own. Without the SEA Program, I wouldn’t know where else to look.”
Kelly, mother of Juan
William Jefferson Clinton
COUNSELOR
“One of the great benefits of the SEA Program is the flexibility they offer. They know that our students have diverse schedules and learning styles, so the flexibility of online tutoring and different mentors has been instrumental in making a positive impact on the lives of our students. We value our partnership with the SEA Program as they continue to support the academic success and personal growth of our student community.”
Joey Hernandez
North Park Academy of the Arts
STUDENT
“Claudia, my SEA Program mentor/tutor, has made Math and other subjects easy for me. I got A’s on my report card! Claudia is gentle, helpful, and makes school work fun and educational.”
Naimah
6th grader in South LA
A wonderful nonprofit Foundation serving the needs of disadvantaged children who risk academic failure right here in Southern California....   As a result of the pandemic and school closures, the consequences have been dire for many students, particularly disadvantaged middle schoolers....   The work these mentors and tutors do goes beyond simple homework help. It includes critical organizational and study skills....   The only cost of participation is for each student to perform one good deed or act of kindness for another for every session they receive.... and I love that.
- John Stamos