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About Us
Committed to making education accessible
Welcome to Guiding Stars! We're a community dedicated to empowering students through free one-on-one mentorship. We strive to create meaningful connections that inspire growth both academically and personally. This page shares our mission, story, values, and updates you on our impact so far.
Too many students are falling behind
In the 2023–24 school year, 1 in 3 students ended the year below grade level, and in high-poverty schools, that number rose to over 50%. At Guiding Stars, we believe that regardless of background, every student deserves a mentor dedicated to their learning. Through one-on-one support, we empower students to catch up and stay ahead.
What we do
Free online tutoring for every student, anytime, anywhere
At Guiding Stars, we connect students with dedicated mentors who provide personalized academic support, skill-building activities, and encouragement. Our programs are designed to help students grow in confidence, develop essential life skills, and strengthen their personal agency — the ability to make choices, take initiative, and guide their own learning.
Whether it’s tackling homework, improving public speaking skills, or building confidence, we create experiences that inspire students to believe in their potential and take ownership of their learning journey.
Closing gaps with books and supplies
We also collect donations of books, technology, and school supplies to support underserved students. We distribute these resources directly to families, libraries, schools, and community centers to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Mission Statement
Every student deserves to have a mentor who guides them through challenges and celebrates their successes
At Guiding Stars, our mission is to empower students of all backgrounds, especially those in underserved communities, with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed academically, while also building essential life skills, including public speaking, financial literacy, and time management.
Through 1-on-1 virtual sessions with mentors, we not only address learning gaps but spark interest in new subjects and guide the development of important life skills. We believe every student deserves a mentor who is dedicated to their growth as a student and as a person.
Values
These are the core values we expect our mentors and staff to uphold. We believe these principles create a supportive environment where students can thrive.
Our
Story
Built on the belief that everyone deserves someone who believes in them
We’re Iris and Misa, two high school students at The Potomac School who share a passion for teaching and empowering others. We recognize the privilege we’ve had with our education, and that inspired us to create Guiding Stars, a way to give back to our community and help students who may not have access to the same resources and opportunities.
Coming from very supportive families, we have personally experienced the importance of having someone who believes in you, not just academically, but also personally. This is why we’re so passionate about our mission. We believe that every student deserves a mentor who celebrates their learning and supports their personal growth, helping them build confidence, resilience, and the ability to take charge of their education. Beyond guidance, we strive to foster a genuine relationship between mentors and students, a friendship built on trust and encouragement that makes the mentoring experience truly meaningful.
What Drives Us
Misa, Co-Founder
"Coming from a family of teachers, education has always been valued in my household. Throughout my entire life, my parents believed in my potential and consistently challenged me to work harder. Because of this, I truly believe that every student deserves someone who is constantly rooting for their education and success. Someone who believes in them and supports their journey, no matter their background."
Iris, Co-Founder
"I strongly believe that confidence in your abilities is one of the most important factors in academic success. Having a support system at school -- many of them my older high school classmates -- that have paid attention to my individual growth and given me the confidence to take risks have been so transformative in my own high school experience. My connection with these older peers is uniquely valuable, and I believe high schoolers and elementary school kids form especially special relationships when it comes to boosting a young student's confidence as a person and learner.
Guiding Stars Timeline
This timeline highlights the key milestones and achievements of Guiding Stars since our founding.
