2025/2026 Impact Report
Mission Statement
Since 1993, the mission of School on Wheels has never wavered: to enhance educational opportunities for children who are experiencing homelessness from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our goal is to shrink the gaps in their learning and provide them with the highest level of education possible. Our program serves as a consistent support system for our students during a time of great stress and fear.
A message from Executive Director Charles Evans
and Board President Joshua Fein
Charles Evans
Executive Director
Joshua Fein
Board President
Dear Friends and Supporters,
This past year brought significant financial pressure for our organization, several of our partners, and many of the families and students we serve. Yet it was also a year of remarkable commitment, progress, and potential. Together, our students, volunteers, and supporters continued to show what can happen when our most vulnerable young people have consistent academic and social-emotional support.
Housing instability and limited internet access remain two of the greatest barriers to learning for our students. Many of our families lived in vehicles or shelters under extreme financial constraints, resulting in frequent moves. Cuts to government funding have deepened instability. At the same time, heightened immigration enforcement has had a direct and painful impact on many of the families and community partners we support, driving many students to miss school out of fear of harassment and deportation. Those scenarios strengthened our resolve to find new ways to connect online with students and meet them wherever they are. Our goal remains the same: to provide every unhoused student living in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or on the street with access to educational support.
This year, School on Wheels tutored 1,500 students with the support of 1,200 volunteers. We distributed 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies and provided 235 Chromebooks and hotspots to help students participate more fully in their education. These numbers represent more than services delivered—they represent students who were able to read, learn, and connect despite their challenging circumstances.
We are especially proud of the progress our students have made. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade strengthened their reading skills, students in grades five through eight made gains in math, and high school students continued working hard toward graduation. Just as important, most students reported greater confidence in their ability to learn and succeed.
As demand continues to grow, we have an important opportunity ahead: to strengthen our partnerships, expand technology support, and make sure that more students can access consistent, high-quality tutoring. But first, we want to thank you again, our community of friends, for your support. You are helping students build the skills, confidence, and hope needed to pursue long-term stability and a love of learning. Throughout this report, you will read stories of resiliency, determination, and above all, community—individuals, organizations, corporations, foundations, and groups of all backgrounds coming together to show our unhoused students that they are not alone.
With deep appreciation,
Charles Evans, Executive Director
Josh Fein, President of the Board of Directors
Executive Board
Our board members are dedicated professionals, advocates, and philanthropists who support and advance our mission by being trusted stewards of our financial and business management and by raising one-half million dollars each year. We are grateful for the time, treasure, and counsel they invest in the future of the unhoused children we serve.
Our Impact
One-on-one tutoring is the cornerstone of our program. We recruit, train, and match volunteers in Southern California who devote their time each week to tutoring a student experiencing homelessness. We offer continuous support and guidance to tutors and parents throughout the process, and all of our programs are provided free of charge.
Tutoring Hours
Our volunteer tutors spend a minimum of one hour per week tutoring their student. This hour includes homework help, School on Wheels programing, social emotional learning curriculum, mentoring, and fun. Many tutors go above and beyond to work with their student more than one hour a week. Each tutoring session helps a student stay on track in school.
Backpacks distributed, filled with school supplies.
Volunteer tutors provide stability, consistency, and educational support. Every tutor undergoes hours of training in order to be approved. All volunteers are fingerprinted and background checked before they are matched with a student.
Volunteer tutors recruited, trained and matched
Volunteer tutors provide stability, consistency, and educational support. Every tutor undergoes hours of training in order to be approved. All volunteers are fingerprinted and background checked before they are matched with a student.
One-on-One-Tutoring Sessions
We work with students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students are referred to us in several different ways, usually by the shelter where they are staying, by their parents, by an agency, or by their school. We match students one-on-one with a volunteer tutor based on their academic needs and tutoring preferences.
Students tutored in our programs
We work with students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students are referred to us in several different ways, usually by the shelter where they are staying, by their parents, by an agency, or by their school. We match students one-on-one with a volunteer tutor based on their academic needs and tutoring preferences.
Laptops and chromebooks provided
While 83% of children have access to a laptop or computer at home, only 19% of children experiencing homelessness do.
Our Device Distribution Program provides laptops, tablets, and hotspots so students can access Wi-Fi, build digital literacy, complete schoolwork, and connect with tutors online.
Skid Row Learning Center
This fiscal year also marked a milestone with the exciting announcement of our new Skid Row Learning Center location. Thanks to a new partnership with the Weingart Center, we plan to relocate to a larger, more accessible space in the heart of Skid Row. This new center will be a hub for education, mental health, and community resources. It will allow us to expand our programs and reach more children—offering them a safe and welcoming environment to learn, grow, and heal.
Field Trips – Learning Beyond the Classroom
At our Skid Row Learning Center, education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. For students experiencing homelessness, the world can feel small, limited to a few blocks and a daily routine shaped by instability. Field trips help change that.
By taking students to museums, parks, universities, and other places they might never otherwise see, curiosity turns into experience. A science lesson comes alive at a hands-on exhibit. A story leaps off the page in a theater or library. A campus visit lets a child picture a future they hadn’t yet imagined.
These outings build confidence, spark new interests, and show students that they belong in every space they enter. Because when kids can see more of the world, they begin to believe there’s a place in it for them.
Student Scholarships
Students are eligible to apply to our scholarship programs which can be used for college, trade schools, arts/music/sports programs, educational summer programs, apprenticeships or enrichment classes.
In fiscal year 2026, we awarded 89 students with scholarships totaling $40,000.
Brandon’s Story
At just 9 years old, our 3rd-grade student, Brandon, is shining both in and out of the classroom.
Through the School on Wheels scholarship program, Brandon joined a soccer team, giving him the chance to run, play, and simply enjoy being a kid. On the field, he’s gaining confidence, making friends, and staying active, all while discovering his potential. Each game becomes more than just play; it’s a chance to grow, connect, and have fun.
At the same time, his commitment to learning continues with support from his School on Wheels tutor, Catherine, who helps him with homework and strengthens his academic skills. Together, these experiences are helping Brandon grow physically, emotionally, and academically.
His mom shared her gratitude for both the tutoring support and the opportunity for her son to participate in extracurricular activities despite the challenges their family is facing:
“I truly appreciate all the support we receive from School on Wheels. It means so much to see my son not only succeed in school, but also have the chance to participate in activities like soccer.”
At School on Wheels, we are proud to support our students by opening doors to new experiences. Whether in the classroom or on the soccer field, we are committed to helping every student build confidence, discover their strengths, and succeed.
Universal Basic Income Program
For several years, School on Wheels has piloted a Universal Basic Income program that provides targeted financial and life skills support to a select group of high school juniors and seniors. This past year, we placed added emphasis on financial literacy, offering workshops alongside real-world budgeting practice, and we’re excited to build on that with a deeper focus on career exploration this year.
Jada
Seattle State University
“School on Wheels helped me become more confident in my abilities to solve problems and kept me from giving up even when I thought I wouldn’t be able to continue in school.”
Jada and her tutor, Logan met in person for the FIRST time at our graduation event after three and a half years of weekly online tutoring sessions.
When Jada first entered our program, she was struggling with a physics class but was afraid to open up to her tutor and tell him she was struggling. Once she told him she was having a hard time with her physics homework, she learned that Logan is actually a professional with an expertise in physics, and he was able to help her pass the class with flying colors.
“Even if stuff was going on, that was one thing I knew was solid,” Jada said about her weekly meetings with Logan.
“I’m very proud of her. She’s graduating with great grades with a college lined up.
There are a lot of students in the queue that are looking for tutors, ready to work hard, and they just need someone to spend some time with them,” Tutor, Logan
Our Programs
Our programs empower volunteers to spark lasting student success. By weaving social-emotional learning into every lesson, we close academic gaps while also nurturing resilience, curiosity, and confidence. In our K–4 Literacy Program, students have advanced as much as four grade levels in reading comprehension within a single year. For older students, our tutors use adaptive online platforms to deliver personalized instruction, ensuring each learner receives the support they need to thrive.
K-4 students achieved one year of expected reading comprehension growth in their first 100 days of School on Wheels tutoring.
5-8 students achieved about one year of expected math growth in their first 100 days of School on Wheels tutoring.
90% of high school seniors who stayed connected with School on Wheels graduated high school.
“I’ve learned not to give up and ask for help when I need it. This will help me in school and in the future.”
-SOW High School Student
Our Volunteers
Volunteer tutors are the heart of School on Wheels—nothing would be possible without the dedication and commitment of these wonderful individuals. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and professions. Their shared goal is to provide educational support to the students we serve.
Our volunteers are deeply committed, serving with us for an average of more
than two years. With an average age of 40, they bring both energy and life
experience to their work with students. Each student–tutor match lasts approximately four months, offering the stability and consistency children experiencing homelessness
need most. We are also proud that, among those who reported, 65% of our
volunteers identify as people of color and 67% as female—reflecting the diverse,
compassionate community that drives our mission.
Gary’s Story
As soon as we met our volunteer, Gary, we knew our students would be lucky to have him as both a tutor and a mentor.
“So, do you have a car?” Gary jokingly asked his ten-year-old student, Jaylah, the very first time they met. “Because I’ll need a ride home when we’re done.”
Jaylah immediately laughed. At that moment, we knew Gary’s wonderful sense of humor would help put our students at ease and make tutoring feel welcoming and fun. Jaylah’s nervousness quickly melted away and was replaced with a smile and excitement to work with him.
“You can call me Grandpa Gary,” he offered. Hearing that made Jaylah and her siblings even more excited to spend time with him.
A few weeks into their in-person tutoring sessions, Gary let us know that he had a donation of books for our students. We met with Gary to pick up the books and check in on how tutoring was going with Jaylah and her family.
As the children happily looked through the books and picked out their favorites, Jaylah’s mom shared how grateful she was for Gary’s support.
“I’ve noticed such a difference in Jaylah,” she told us. “She’s more confident, and her math skills have improved so much. I’m so happy to see her excited for tutoring every week. Is there any chance Gary could tutor her twice a week, if it wouldn’t be too much?”
Before we even had a chance to ask him, Gary answered from across the room.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It gives me something to do.”
“You are doing more for us than you realize, Gary,” Jaylah’s mom replied gratefully.
That moment has stayed with us.
Gary isn’t just helping Jaylah solve math problems. He’s helping her believe in herself.
An experienced, retired high school teacher, Gary comes to every tutoring session prepared, carrying a large folder filled with lessons and materials he has thoughtfully gathered for Jaylah. Every visit reflects the same patience, encouragement, and genuine care that he spent a lifetime giving to his students.
Jaylah quietly shared, “I’ll be sad when school starts and I don’t get to see Grandpa Gary anymore.”
Her words were a beautiful reminder of the connection they had built. Her mom and our team quickly reassured her that Gary would continue tutoring her after school began.
Wednesdays quickly became Jaylah’s favorite day because she got to see Gary. Thanks to his generosity, their tutoring sessions now take place twice a week—on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Volunteers like Gary embody everything School on Wheels hopes to provide our students: someone who is kind, generous, experienced, and deeply invested in helping a child succeed. His impact reaches far beyond academics. Through his encouragement, Jaylah has gained confidence, developed stronger math skills, and formed a meaningful relationship with someone who believes in her.
Thank you, Gary. Your kindness, generosity, and lifelong passion for teaching have made a lasting difference in Jaylah’s life and in the lives of so many students. We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of the School on Wheels family.
.
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Our Friends & Partners
Over the years, School on Wheels has developed a comprehensive partnership and engagement strategy that supports the organization’s mission and long-term program growth. We have a wonderful cohort of partners—including large and small foundations, corporations, educational institutions, organizations, and faith-based groups—who raise awareness, advocate for our students, and contribute their time, resources, and financial support. Just like our volunteer tutors, these unsung heroes go above and beyond every day to make a positive impact in the lives of the children we serve. We are proud to be the recipients of their generosity and kindness.
“Since 1993, School on Wheels’ mission has never wavered: enhancing educational opportunities for children experiencing homelessness and giving them a consistent support system during a time of great stress and fear. That consistency is exactly what resonated with our Duckhorn Portfolio Founders Fund Committee (DPFF). Since establishing DPFF in 2020, we’ve awarded more than $1 million to support educational programs for historically disadvantaged groups in the communities where our employees live and work. This year’s grant to School on Wheels continues that commitment. Your volunteers show up for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, working to shrink the gaps in their learning and open doors to the highest level of education possible. We’re proud to stand behind that mission, and we look forward to growing this partnership in the years ahead.”
Zach Rasmuson
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Duckhorn
Our Financials
For over 30 years, School on Wheels has sustained strong financial stability that supports our students in the best possible way. Your generosity helps us provide programs and services throughout six counties in Southern California, investing in the educational lives of students experiencing homelessness.
Revenue & Support
|
Foundations |
$1,637,253 |
|
Individuals |
$781,317 |
|
Corporations/Corporate Foundations |
$249,453 |
|
Special Events |
$185,316 |
|
Organizations |
$40,341 |
|
Material Donations |
$333,480 |
|
Interest/Other Income |
$94,293 |
|
Total Support & Revenues |
$3,321,452 |
|
Employee Retention Tax Credit |
$409,656 |
|
Total Support, Revenues, Other Income |
$3,731,108 |
Expenses
|
Program Services |
$3,020,048 |
|
Fundraising |
$162,587 |
|
Support Services |
$171,224 |
|
Total |
$3,353,859 |
Thank you, Supporters
Gifts of $150,000+
The Eisner Foundation, Inc.
Gifts of $100,000+
NBA Foundation
Windsong Trust
Gifts of $50,000+
BLT Enterprises, Inc.
Dora F. Levit Fund for People
The Edward A & Ai O Shay Family Foundation
Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation
GlobalGiving Foundation Inc.
The Green Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
Josh Fein & MaryJo Lauterio
The Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation
The Kissel Company, Inc.
LISC / Foot Locker Foundation
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Rosalie & Harold Brown Charitable Trust
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Steinmetz Foundation
Universal Studios Hollywood’s Discover A Star Foundation
Gifts of $40,000+
Bluebird Legacy, Inc.
Delphi Foundation
The Sharon D. Lund Foundation
Gifts of $25,000+
Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation
Catherine Meek & Al Earle
Chris & Melody Malachowsky
The Duckhorn Portfolio
GG’s Family Foundation
Isara Laboratories, Inc.
Jarrod & Catherine Phillips
The Johnny Carson Foundation
Renée Longan & Norman Schiele
Rotary Club of Santa Monica
Gifts of $20,000+
Alex Brown & Maren Loveland
Falconwood Foundation
Mark & Amanda Kresser
Gifts of $15,000+
Chandramohan Family Foundation
Ellen & Ben Padnos
Sawchuk Family Foundation
Scott Family Foundation
The Walt Disney Company Foundation
Gifts of $10,000+
ABAR Foundation
Anaheim Ducks Foundation
Bowen H. & Janice Arthur McCoy
Charitable Foundation
Cheryl McCutchen
Dolores & Dan Boehmar
First American Financial Corporation
Jackson George
Lois & Gary Ingham
The Looker Foundation
Mercedes-Benz of Encino
National Philanthropic Trust
Noah Nordheimer
Paul Bechtner Foundation
Property Management Associates, Inc.
Seattle-Sonoran Foundation
Gifts of $5,000+
Anonymous
Allison Latham & Andrew Turney
Amgen Matching Gift
Artisanal Consulting
Charlotte Hughes & Christopher Combs
Citizens Business Bank.
City National Bank
Clifford Neiman
Clune Cares Foundation
The Herman Foundation
Jennifer & Michael Penjoyan
Jim & Birte Falconer
Jodi Stancampiano
Jovana Lara
The Kim & Harold Louie
Family Foundation
Kim Sandnes & Richard Bernard
Laura & Karl Slovin
Laurie Angel & William Blaney
Lisa Quarello
Lynn & Robert Stone
McMaster-Carr Supply Company
Nasrin Dayani
Natalie McCallick
Neil’s Ace Home Center
Patrick Lacey
Pauline Kotin
Pete Nelson & Patrick Mcintyre
Public Storage, Inc.
The Robert Nelson Foundation
Rockwell & Marna Schnabel
SAGE Publications, Inc.
Sandesha & Kapil Singh
Teresa Merrick
Tiffany & Jeffrey Neu
Tim Davis & Carol Critchlow
Tracy Salisbury
University Church of Christ
Gifts of $2,500+
Anonymous
Andy Chiang
Arianne Neumark
Buddha Jones
Douglas Geyser
Georges & Germaine Fusenot
Charity Foundation
Hanson Agins Charitable Fund
Holy Family Church
Jennifer & Glen Cole
Jenny & Dan Fein
Joann & Stan Benson
Joy Mashaal
Justin Thavirat
The Kuruma Family
Lark Ellen Lions Charities
Lincoln Property Company
Menaka Evans
Moira & Dency Nelson
Momita SenGupta
MWS Wire Industries
Pharida & John Long
Rosemary & Jerold Shinbane
Rotary Club of Huntington Beach
Sanford & Claire Goner
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Sinéad & Darren Chilton
Tahereh Barnes & James Murphy
Vivian Devai
Wendy Furman-Adams
Wendy Romano
Wendy Word Design
Zachary Rasmuson
Gifts of $2,000+
Anonymous
A.C. Israel Foundation
Alexander Dimitrief
Ares Management
Brigid O’Connor
Chapman, Biggs, Linthorst Fund
Faith & Richard Morningstar
IBM
Jennifer Chew
Jesuit High School
John Weiss
Jordan Benudiz
Max Ho
Nancy Neal
Nathan Parkhill
Paul Perret
Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, Inc.
Wendy Pearson
Gifts of $1,000+
Anonymous
Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School
Alan Pick
Alex Goodman
Amy Cozamanis
Amy Dieter
Amy Turturice
Anne Lalas
Anthony Ghavami
Antonia & Dave Carpenter
Armen Jalakian
Ashley McCarthy
Astrid Linnea Wile
Blue Shields of California Foundation
Bristol Farms
Calvary Christian School
Parent Association
Calvin Chan
The Capital Group Companies
Charitable Foundation
Catherine Chambers
Chris Chambers Goodman &
Marc Goodman
Chris Wilson
Darrin Moret
David Matlow
Denice Gonzalez-Kim
Dustin Saiidi
The Earl & Bettie Fields
Automotive Group Foundation
ECMC Foundation
Elaine Craig & Paul Fey
Elissa Davidson
Eric Pettit
Ganapathy Venkataraman
George Livermore
Google Inc.
The Harper / Harpoothian Family Fund
James Moseley
Jeffrey Caldwell
Jennie & Erik Linthorst
Johnson Fain
Joseph Daverin
Kanuja Champaneri
Karen & Terry Harstad
Kerrie Weis
Kevin Moore
King’s Hawaiian
Krista Johnson
Laleh Dallalnejad
Laurence Bloustein
Lisa & Joshua Taub
Loebl Family Fund
Lori Miller & Steve Miller
Lucinda Setnicka
Lyda Hill
Marsh Mokhtari & Jan
Livingston-Mokhtari
Mary Auth
Mary Goodfader
Matthew Solari & JC Calciano
Maureen Krantz
Michael Podany
Michael Roster
Mike & Nancy Wiggins
Minda & Andre Zimmerman
Mindy Cheng
Natasha MacDonald
Peter Banachowski
Praneet Panga
Renee Linton
Riana Sanyal
Richard Rizika
Riot Games
Robert Dubrow
The Rosenthal Family Foundation
Sarah Hurwitz
Sarah McMullan
Sean Callan
Shannon & Terrence Boyle
Sunni Won
Susan Frances Moley
Talal Sadeh & Zarin Tejani
Temple Judea Social Action Committee
Tom Cooney
Tracy Choy
Trisha & Michael Husson
Tyler Vernon
Uma Arun Family Fund
Understanding Principles
United Way of Greater Philadelphia
& Southern New Jersey
Ventura County Credit Union
Warren & Jane Phillips
Wells Fargo Bank
Winnie & John Strohmeyer
Yangyang Shi
Yuki Larsen
Material Donations
Thank you to our material donation partners, who contributed brand-new backpacks, school supplies, technology, and books.
“It’s a lot of help for the kids and me as well because it’s really expensive for three kids. And it helps them feel better about going to school when they have all these supplies.” – Pablo H., Parent
Major Material Donors
Air Oasis
Allison Latham
Alyssa Stalker
Bazic Products
Blue Shield of California
Employee Volunteering & Giving Department
Bunim Murray Productions
Calvary Christian School
Capsida Biotherapeutics
Channel Islands Cal State University –
Zeta Pi Omega
Clune Construction
Cuckoo Electronics America
First Student, Inc.
Frances Martinez
The Kesselhaut Family Foundation
King’s Hawaiian
L’Oreal Paris
Major League Baseball
Mathis Home
MNTN
Natures Produce
Nexxen
Paradise Cove Beach Café
Polytechnic School
Redondo Ballet
Rotary Club of Santa Monica
RSM US LLP
Sinai Temple
Soles4Souls
Southern California Edison
Telescope Studio
UCLA College Corps
Universal Studios Hollywood
Valley Beth Shalom Day School
Ventura County Credit Union
Viewpoint School
The Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Foundation
Yalla Ventures Inc. DBA PuroAir
ZS Associates
We are proud to be members of:
