Lead Tutor Leadership Program
The Lead Tutor Program is designed to enrich the experiences of Bearcat Buddies and the children they work with. Every academic year, ~20 lead tutors are selected to serve as liaisons between the tutors, the Center for Community Engagement, and GRAD Cincinnati. Lead tutors manage tutor communication, implement fun activities for tutees, and overall, work to foster a sense of community in the Bearcat Buddies program. In order to be considered for a Lead Tutor position , you must serve as a Bearcat Buddies Ambassador for at least two semesters.
The Lead Tutor Program first launched during the 2018-2019 school year. 30 leaders met bi-weekly to learn from guest speakers and develop content for the general tutors in the program. Friendships formed, and the quality of the Bearcat Buddies experience was enriched for tutors and tutees alike.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary point of contact for tutors in their session, serving as a liaison between the tutors, the Center for Community Engagement, and GRAD Cincinnati representatives
- Prepare for a time commitment of ~10 hours per semester (in addition to your tutoring session)
- Attend Lead Tutor training
- Participate in monthly Lead Tutor meetings
- Ensure that their tutor group attends orientation
- Host an introductory meeting with their tutor group prior to their first tutoring session
- Create a GroupMe for the tutor group as a communication tool
- Be familiar with their school and its tutoring program
- Manage sign-in sheets, folders, and other materials as needed during tutoring sessions
- Monitor the tutoring calendar, taking note of snow days, holidays, school breaks, etc.
- Introduce a new tutoring strategy every week in the van
- Check in with tutors on the way back to UC
- Foster a sense of community among tutors in their group
- Follow up with tutors who are absent and encourage accountability
- Communicate feedback regularly to CCE (ex. if a tutor misses two or more seesions)
- Attend the National Tutoring Assocation trainings
Lead Tutor List
Access the Excel sheet to find your lead tutors and their contact information.
2024-2025 Lead Tutors
Afolakemi Akinrefon
Kemi is a fourth-year Medical Sciences student minoring in Public Health and Chemistry, and she aims to become a Physician Assistant. She enjoys helping CPS students with academics and guiding UC peers to become better tutors and role models.
Chrys Alobwede
Chrys is a third-year Medical Sciences major with a minor in Psychology, aiming to become a Sports Medicine Physician. Bearcat Buddies has allowed him to build meaningful connections with CPS students and witness their growth each semester.
Rama Alshami
Rama is a 3rd-year Medical Sciences student and in her third year with Bearcat Buddies. She enjoys mentoring and leadership, and is also involved in H.E.A.L. and Parkinson's Together.
Lorelle Araujo
Lorelle is a 3rd-year Psychology student with an Arabic minor, and she aspires to acquire a PhD in Child Development. She is grateful for Bearcat Buddies, which provides valuable experience for her future.
Kara Beebe
Kara is a fourth year Medical Sciences student, with a minor in Public Health. Working with kids is one of her biggest passions, and is something she hopes to do throughout her life and career as she pursues pediatric medicine.
Caden Burkhart
Caden is a fourth-year student on the pre physical therapy track looking to complete his doctorate in physical therapy. Caden has been a lead tutor for Bearcat Buddies since his first year, enjoying the friendships and impact the program creates.
Emely Burkhart
Emely is a 4th year student studying Marketing and Operations Management. Emely is a lead tutor and helps bearcat buddies with events in her free time. Also, Emely is an avid Bearcats fan and spends her time at campus events.
Maxine Escote
Maxine is a fourth-year double majoring in Chemistry and Biology, aspiring to be a researcher. As a Bearcat Buddy, she loves sharing her knowledge with kids, who inspire her to be a better role model and keep her grounded.
Ashleigh Fischer
Ashleigh a 4th year completing their BA in operations management. She hopes to run her own warehouse under one of her respective companies. She loves how tutoring for Bearcat Buddies allows her to make active change in the students' lives.
Nevaeh Haskins
Nevaeh is a 3rd year student studying in the Nursing to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is the secretary of Bearcat Buddies and has been involved in the program since her first year of undergrad.
Anvitha Katamneni
Anvitha is a third-year Neuroscience student on the pre-med track, with a minor in Integrative Health. She enjoys Bearcat Buddies for the lasting impact it has on CPS children, helping them build a stronger learning foundation.
Owen Major
Owen is a fourth-year Biology major with a Psychology minor aiming to become a Physician Assistant in Pediatrics. His favorite part of Bearcat Buddies is watching his students grow each semester—it's always more rewarding than the last.
Cassandra Mayers
Cassandra is a third-year Health Sciences student on the Pre-Medicine track, minoring in Chemistry, aiming for a career in dentistry. She’s been involved with Bearcat Buddies for three years and loves the impact UC students have on CPS students.
Brennan Meier
Brennan is a 3rd year student studying Medical Sciences on a Pre-Medical Track. Brennan is a Lead Tutor and has been a part of Bearcat Buddies since freshman year. He also enjoys volunteering and working at UC hospital.
Alaina Mok
Alaina is a third-year Elementary Education student with an Entrepreneurship minor, is a Lead Tutor and BBAC member. She’s been with Bearcat Buddies since her freshman year and enjoys supporting children in Cincinnati Public Schools.
Anushri Rana
Anushri is a third-year Medical Sciences major working toward becoming a doctor. Her love for working with kids inspired her to join Bearcat Buddies, and she looks forward to continuing to help and give back to the community.
Olivia Reppen
Olivia is a third-year Architectural Engineering student aiming for a career in sustainable building. She loves supporting CPS students through Bearcat Buddies and learning from their experiences while giving back to the community.
Chloe Sabile
Chloe is a third-year Medical Sciences major. She loves using Bearcat Buddies to give back to the Cincinnati community and support student growth as she pursues her goal of becoming a Pediatrician.
Abbey Smith
Abbey is a second-year student majoring in Elementary Education. This is her third semester with Bearcat Buddies. She loves forming bonds with students and watching them grow.
Aliyah Spriggs
Aliyah is a 2nd year student studying Finance and Real Estate with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Aliyah's favorite part of bearcat buddies is inspiring young children to start thinking about higher education.
Ikshitha Tippi
Ikshitha is a 4th-year Medical Sciences student on the Pre-Med track with a minor in Integrative Health and a Lead Tutor Ambassador in her fourth year with Bearcat Buddies. She is passionate about helping underserved populations.
Geethika Velaga
Geethika is a second-year majoring in Medical Sciences major aspiring to become a physician. She enjoys supporting student growth as a tutor and helping kids gain confidence in their skills.
Gracie West
Gracie is a third-year Health Sciences major aiming to become a Physician's Assistant. She enjoys the chance to interact with the kids, watch their growth, and see the program expand.
Madeline Wright
Madeline Wright, a double major in Biology and Spanish, is a Lead Tutor for Bearcat Buddies. She facilitates a welcoming environment for tutors and students in her sessions.