Education & Mentoring
The Education & Mentoring department volunteers with schools in the local San José area while discussing greater systemic education inequalities.
Department Coordinator & Program Coordinator bios can be found below on this page!
Note: E&M strongly requests that volunteers commit to attending regularly throughout the quarter.
BREAKTHROUGH SILICON VALLEY
Program Coordinator: Lauren Watt (lwatt@scu.edu)
Students tutor middle and high school students of BTSV, a program that supports 1st generation students, by supporting them with homework and projects.
Times: TBD
Requirements: TBD
CABRILLO MIDDLE SCHOOL
Program Coordinator: Callan Haugen (chaugen@scu.edu)
Volunteer as a tutor for academically gifted middle schoolers at Cabrillo Middle School. This program focuses most heavily on STEM tutoring and help with pushing the students' out-of-classroom learning in STEM subjects forward. This program is a great way to get involved with the broader Santa Clara community especially if you are a STEM major!
Times: TBD
Requirements: Fill out a volunteer form, provide a copy of a photo ID, and take a TB test
CORAL TUTORING
Program Coordinator: Belita Solanki (bsolanki@scu.edu)
Join us at CORAL, where you’ll assist with a variety of activities, from crafts and occasional homework help to outdoor play. Your role will depend on what the students are working on when we arrive, making each day different and engaging.
Times: TBD
Requirements: COVID vaccination + booster, take a TB test, complete paperwork & fingerprinting
HUGHES ELEMENTARY
Program Coordinator: Gianna Tantardino (gtantardino@scu.edu)
Partnering with Hughes Elementary, SCU students will get the opportunity to give their time to after-school tutoring for Hughes Elementary students, and engage in a knowledge-sharing experience, contributing their time and knowledge as tutors for kids who might otherwise struggle to secure tutoring services.
Times: TBD
Requirements: take a TB test and complete paperwork
Montague Elementary
Program Coordinator: Ruby Grafft (rgrafft@scu.edu)
Volunteer with SCCAP at Montague Elementary, where students will engage with students during their lunchtime. Create relationships with students through play, supervision aides, and general support!
Times: Fridays, 10 AM - 12 PM
Requirements: TBD
Education & Mentoring Department Coordinator and Program Coordinator Bios!
Kenna Agnitsch
Department Coordinator | kagnitsch@scu.edu
she/her/hers
Hello, my name is Kenna, and I am a Political Science and Psychology double major! I grew up in the Bay Area, and ever since I was a child I had an interest in helping others. I have been an elementary/middle/high school tutor for as long as I can remember, and I’m so happy to continue pursuing this in my college career. You can find me reading, swimming, staying active, or spending time with my friends around campus! I’m excited to lead E&M in building positive relationships with our community :)
Lauren Watt
Breakthrough Silicon Valley Program Coordinator | lwatt@scu.edu
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I’m a senior majoring in Business Analytics with a minor in Management Information Systems. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I’ve always been passionate about community involvement, whether that’s volunteering with the kids' ministry at my church or teaching young kids to dance. In my free time, I love reading, crafting, working out, and hanging out with friends and family. I’m so excited to join SCCAP and can’t wait to make a positive impact together!
she/her/hers
Callan Haugen
Cabrillo Program Coordinator | chaugen@scu.edu
she/her/hers
Hi, my name is Callan! I am a Junior double majoring in Political Science and Psychology, with a Pre-Law emphasis. I am from Maple Grove, Minnesota, and in addition to SCCAP, I am the Vice President of Mock Trial, the President of IGNITE, and a Community Facilitator in Casa Italiana! In my free time, I love hiking, camping, reading, listening to music, and doing any sort of arts and crafts. I am so excited to be a part of the Education and Mentoring Department this upcoming year, and can't wait to help further connect SCU to our surrounding community!
Belita Solanki
CORAL Program Coordinator | bsolanki@scu.edu
she/her/hers
Hi! My name is Belita and I am a Child Studies and Political Science double major! I am from Dublin, California and so excited to work within the SCU community! I love dancing, arts and crafts, and going to concerts. I am passionate about working with kids and making the world a better place! I cannot wait to see what this year brings in SCCAP!
Gianna Tantardino
Hughes Program Coordinator | gtantardino@scu.edu
she/her/hers
Hey! My name is Gianna, and I am a Junior majoring in Public Health with minors in Biology and Anthropology. I grew up in Lake Almanor, California, a really small town that shaped my love for community service. I have always loved working with kids, whether that’s as a tutor, camp counselor, or a youth sports coach! In my free time, I love cooking, reading, playing volleyball, and learning to play the Banjo. I am so excited to be a part of SCCAP this year, and I can’t wait to serve our community together!
Ruby Grafft
Montague Program Coordinator | rgrafft@scu.edu
she/her/hers
Hi, I'm Ruby! I am a Biology major with an Urban Education Minor! I grew up in Los Angeles and have loved working with kids and helping others for as long as I can remember. In my free time, I like playing basketball, reading, listening to music, playing guitar, and hanging out with friends. I am so excited to be a part of SCCAP and can't wait to see what this year brings.