“It’s not about knowing everything or being a teacher—it’s about being there for someone who needs the help.”
– Jeremy A., Volunteer Tutor
Programs & Services
One-on-One Tutoring
Volunteer tutoring is the cornerstone of our program. Our volunteers meet with their students every week to provide positive mentorship and educational assistance. Tutors meet their students online or in person.
Digital Learning Access
Our Digital Learning Initiative empowers our students to harness the power of technology and Internet/WiFi to be able to participate in online learning and develop crucial 21st-century skills. The ultimate goal of our initiative is to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to our students who would not have access otherwise.
Scholarships
Students can easily apply to our scholarship programs which can be used for college, trade schools, arts/music/sports programs, educational summer programs, apprenticeships or enrichment classes. You can contribute to the fund through our donation page.
School Supplies
Every student we meet receives a NEW backpack filled with school supplies. Annually we provide over 5,000 students with the tools they need to succeed in school. Learn more about running a virtual supply drive here.
Literacy Program
Our Literacy Program supports emerging readers in Kindergarten-4th grade with materials and tutor guidance that are evidence-based and aligned with the Common Core. Students and their tutors are encouraged to follow students’ interests while reading, writing and even drawing to help build literacy skills and close learning gaps.
Academic Program
The Academic Program for 5th-8th graders focuses on building either reading or math skills, with each student’s family selecting their main subject. Students and their tutors work with a computer-adaptive program that provides personalized content that is evidence-based and aligned with the Common Core.
BUS Program
Our program for high school students allows students to choose a “life skills” topic – such as How to Get into College or How to Manage Money – and complete lessons practicing those skills as well as working towards their academic goals with their tutor.
SEL Program
Social and emotional learning skills are a critical foundation for students to learn and thrive. All students, K-12, are provided access to short activities around topics such as Growth Mindset and Curiosity to practice strategies that can help them advocate for themselves, cope with stress, and learn!
Skid Row Learning Center
Located in the neighborhood with the highest concentration of homelessness in the U.S., our center offers a safe and fun learning environment where students experiencing homelessness can access support after school.
- The center is open five days a week year-round
- Digital learning center
- Academic lessons
- Summer program
Where We Serve
We partner with over 400 sites across Southern California—including libraries, shelters, and after-school programs. Volunteer tutors provide stability, consistency, and educational support.
We provide the training and mentors that make a difference!
“I couldn’t have graduated without the help of my tutor”
-Victoria, student
Mission & Vision
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.
Our History
School on Wheels was founded in 1993 by Agnes Stevens, a retired schoolteacher, who understood the importance of education to students devastated by homelessness—and the unique challenges they face. We were then, and we remain, the only organization in Southern California dedicated exclusively to the educational needs of this fragile population. In 1999, Catherine Meek became one of Agnes’ first volunteer tutors on Skid Row. They became firm friends and the fearless duo grew the program, expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles.
Catherine was Chief Operating Officer before being elected Executive Director, serving from 2009-2019. She oversaw the growth of School on Wheels from a small, local nonprofit to one that works with thousands of children in six counties in Southern California. Catherine now serves as Executive Advisor working with foundations and large funders. She believes that education is a right of every child and an economic imperative for our society. Catherine was named one of 10 Women of Worth in the U.S. in 2012 and has received numerous awards and accolades for her pro bono work. She still volunteers as a tutor.
Our Values
Trust, integrity, innovation, flexibility, passion, and teamwork—these core values represent what we believe in, what we stand for, and how we approach everything we do. They determine how we treat each other, our students, volunteers, donors, partners, and the communities we serve. We measure our success by how well we live up to these values. We embrace people from all backgrounds, cultures, citizenships, experiences, and viewpoints.
Our Impact
Our staff and volunteers work hard to remove the barriers that stand between our students and their education. After ten weeks of tutoring, two thirds of our students improved their assessment scores by a grade level or more.
Our Volunteer Tutors
Our volunteers are the heart of our program.
Last year, 1,226 volunteers tutored
2,360 students experiencing homelessness.
“It helps them look beyond their current circumstances and see the possibilities the future can hold.”
-Anna, mother
Who We Are
The Executive Board
Steven Dahlberg
President, The Kissel Company, Inc.
Joshua Fein
President, Chief Financial Officer, Property Management Associates, Inc.
Lizeth Flores
Grants Manager, U.S.VETS
Laleh Dallalnejad
Business Information Security Officer, First American Financial
Beong-Soo Kim
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, University of Southern California
Catherine Meek
Executive Advisor
Clifford Neiman
Secretary, Principal, The Neiman Group Architects
Ellen Padnos
Co-Founder, Joyful Giving
Jarrod Phillips
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Ares Management
Jonathan Reid
Program Officer, ECMC Foundation
Lynn Stone
Journalist
Director Emeritus
Reverend Cecil L. Murray
Director Emeritus
Staff
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Maegan Mattock
Chief Regional Officer
Richard Tran
Chief Operations Officer
Charles Evans
Executive Director
Sinéad Chilton
Chief Development & Marketing Officer
Catherine Meek
Executive Advisor
REGIONAL TEAM
Team Leaders
Nicki Clark
Associate Manager - Regions 1, 2, 3, 4
Riley Cobian
Director - Students & Volunteers
Sarah Fraza
Manager (Regions 5, 7, 8)
Coordinators
Tess Olszewski
Associate Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Region 4
Ximena Verdad
Associate Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Region 7
Courtney Abrams
Associate Student Support Coordinator, Regions 2&3
Claudia Turcios
Associate Student Support Coordinator, Regions 5/7
Monique Salazar
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region 8)
Berkley Morgan
Associate Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region 5)
Ashley Martinez Madrid
Program Development Coordinator - SRLC
Lara Akl
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region 9)
Tiana Shambayati
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region 3)
Cindy El Jamrah
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region 10)
Melissa Lopez
Admin & Student Coordinator - SRLC
Jose Garcia
Student Support Coordinator (Regions 9 and 10)
Cynthia Gonzalez
Senior Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Online)
Ellie Lopez
Associate Program Development Coordinator, SRLC
Susan Shiells
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator (Region1)
PROGRAMS TEAM
Team Leaders
Rebecca Glaser
Associate Director - Programs
Coordinators
Angelique Singh
Curriculum and Assessment Specialist
Claire Herr
Middle and High School Coordinator
Cynthia Ayala
Program Development Coordinator, Literacy Program
Elizabeth Barboza
Program Development Coordinator, Training & Education
Lilly Ball
Assessment Coordinator
Aimee Mendoza
Program Development Coordinator - Grades 5-12
Cher Sullinger
Senior Program Development Coordinator, Data & Tech
COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS TEAM
Roya Yasharpour
Grants Manager
Jamie Haugen
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Danait Berhe
Manager - Corporate and Individual Giving
Briana Brown
Program Development Coordinator - HR
Non-Discrimination Policy
School on Wheels provides inclusive and equitable tutoring services to unhoused students. We believe in the importance of diversity and strive to create a safe and supportive environment for every student, volunteer tutor, and staff member.
We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our programs and services are available to students and volunteer tutors, and we are committed to ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed.