Letter from the Founders
Dear friends,
We’re Jay Panta and Sam Keon, two high school students who started Tutoring2Inspire with one simple idea: quality education shouldn’t depend on where you’re from or how much money your family has.
It started small. Just a few of us tutoring kids online. Now it’s a student-led nonprofit helping underserved elementary and middle school students across the country with free, one-on-one virtual tutoring. We’ve also added some cultural exchange programs, like our summer teaching trip to Nepal. No matter where we’re working, the goal is the same: help students learn and connect with others in new ways.
Our tutors bring a lot of energy and patience to every session. We keep it flexible, use tools like AI for lesson planning, and support each other as a team. It’s easy to get started, and it really makes a difference.
We’ve seen how just one hour can help a student feel more confident in themselves. We’ve also seen how much the tutors grow from the experience. That’s why we’re focused on expanding: more students, more tutors, more impact.
If you care about service and want to make a real difference, come join us as a tutor. And if you’re a parent, teacher, or supporter; thank you. This wouldn’t be possible without you. We’re not just helping kids with school. We’re building connection, confidence, and opportunity.
With gratitude,
Jay Panta
Co-Founder & CEOSam Keon
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Meet Our Team
Co-founders
First, let’s get to know our Founders. Jay Panta (CEO) and Sam Keon (Executive Director) launched Tutoring2Inspire with the goal of making education more accessible through free tutoring and cultural exchange. As student leaders, they oversee all major operations and set the vision for the organization’s growth and impact.
Jay Panta, Co-founder & CEO
“Hi everyone! I’m Jay Panta, a high school student at St. Mark’s School of Texas whose passions include youth leadership, international service, and education. I started Tutoring2Inspire as a way to bring these passions together under one umbrella: providing free, quality tutoring to underprivileged students, with meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Whether academically or through this non-profit, I believe in leveraging education as a catalyst for change, growth, and lasting development.”
Sam Keon, Co-founder & Executive Director
“I’m Sam Keon, a high school student at St. Mark’s School of Texas with a passion for social impact and community service. I wanted to lead an organization dedicated to making an impact through education and meaningful cultural connections, so I founded Tutoring2Inspire. As Executive Director, I lead our team’s mission to inspire growth, opportunity, and change. Outside of my nonprofit work, I enjoy running track, playing piano, debating, and researching solutions to some of today’s biggest social challenges.”
Board of Advisors
Next, let’s meet our Board of Advisors. This group is composed of professionals who bring experience, connections, and strategic insight to Tutoring2Inspire. They play a key role in guiding the organization’s direction, supporting fundraising efforts, and expanding our reach.
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Kim Haley, Chairperson
Kim Haley is the founder of Globe Aware, a nonprofit offering award-winning, short-term international service programs that promote sustainability and cultural understanding. With over 20 years of experience and Special Consultative Status with the UN, her work has been featured on NBC, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Kim empowers volunteers to work directly with local communities on projects they choose, ensuring culturally respectful, impactful, and non-political service around the world.
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Senior Internal Officers
Last but not least, let’s meet our Senior Internal Officers. This group currently consists of the Secretary, U.S Programs Manager, and the Administrative Officer. These three help the founders manage Tutoring2Inspire and help make decisions to better the non-profit.
Matthew Li, Secretary
“Hello everyone! I’m Matthew, a rising high school senior and secretary of Tutoring2Inspire, where I oversee administrative operations that support our mission of helping to provide quality education to students. Outside of Tutoring2Inspire, I volunteer in the medical field and contribute to the biomedical academia field through my studies.”
Sonarka Das, Administrative Officer
“Hello, my name is Sonarka Das. I have a deep passion for studying and expanding my knowledge, but what I love just as much is sharing what I’ve learned with others. At Tutorring2Inspire, I’ve had the opportunity to help others grow academically and nurture brilliant minds. It’s been a truly rewarding experience and one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Bihaan Upadhyay, U.S Programs Manager
“Hello, my name is Bihaan Upadhyay. I am an incoming high-school student and the U.S Programs Manager of Tutoring2Inspire. Being a part of Tutoring2Inspire has not only taught me leadership and communication skills, but it has also helped me make a bunch of new friends. I love everything about Tutoring2Inspire, and it is amazing to have seen it grow from the start into what it is today.