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.
Leaders who successfully complete three outstanding semesters will be eligible for a graduation cord upon commencement.
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
The Lead Tutor session list is available here
2024-2025 Lead Tutors
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.
Jennah Atia
Jennah is a second year double major in Psychology and Neurobiology on a pre-med track. She is really excited to share with her friends and peers the joy that comes with being a Bearcat Buddy!
Joseph Carey
Katie Hammond
Nevaeh Hawkins
Kelsey Hulbert
Kelsey is a third-year student studying Medical Sciences on a Pre-Med track with minors in Psychology and Integrative Health & Wellness. She looks forward to collaborating with ambassadors and lead tutors to promote the Bearcat Buddies program.
Kasey James
Kasey is a second-year finance major aspiring to become a financial planner. She loves being part of Bearcat Buddies for its tight-knit community and the opportunity to make a positive impact.
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.
Mica Linik
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.
Juliana Monsalve
Sophia Orlando
Lesika Pajany
Lesika is a third-year psychology major. She loves engaging with children and being a positive tutor. With a passion for pediatrics, she became an ambassador to showcase the program's impact on children's learning.
Gracie Pilkuhn
Gracie is a second-year Medical Sciences student on a pre-med track with minors in Integrative Health and Wellness and Spanish. She values being a positive role model and looks forward to helping the Bearcat Buddies community grow.
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.
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.
Ethan Schuebel
Ethan is a third-year Medical Sciences major on the pre-med track, planning to pursue pediatric anesthesiology. He continues with Bearcat Buddies because it's rewarding to see kids grow more comfortable with tutors and develop a love for learning.
Zukhra Shopulatova
Sydnie Singh
Sydnie is a 2nd year health science student on a Pre-Med track with a minor in psychology.
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.
Aubrey Stevens
Aubrey is a nursing student, class of 2027, aiming to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in pediatrics. She enjoys meeting students through Bearcat Buddies and helping children in unique ways.
Margaret Tenney
Elaina Tompkins
Jack Van Riper
Jack is a second year studying Finance and Accounting. He is an ambassador in the organization and is looking forward to helping out the kids.
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.
Jane Waluik
Jane is a second-year Medical Sciences student interested in psychiatry and neurology. She loves being involved with Bearcat Buddies as it lets them share their passion for learning and gain experience working with kids.