Pictured in front row, from left to right: Evan Sun, Sarah Huo, and Aarush Goradia; Back row from left to right: Antong Guo, Michael Zhang, Hayden Chen, and Joshua Liu.
Written by State Youth Council member Michael Zhang and CWDC Administrative Assistant Katalina Garcia
When a group of passionate young students noticed that the faces in their math competitions remained the same year after year, they realized something needed to change. Driven by a desire to make math more inclusive and accessible, these students founded Equity Learning, a nonprofit dedicated to providing tutoring, scholarships, and support to students from all backgrounds. Their journey offers a powerful story of leadership, collaboration, and the impact of peer-to-peer support in education.
Building Equity Through Education
The founders of Equity Learning, all avid participants in math clubs and competitions from a young age, noticed a troubling pattern—academic enrichment opportunities often seemed out of reach for students without access to extra resources or peer support. This realization fueled their desire to break down those barriers.
“We wanted to support our peers, especially those who may not have access to sufficient resources,” they explain. “That’s why we make our programs very accessible and flexible. We tutor all levels of math, offer scholarships as additional support, and coordinate with other nonprofit organizations to serve our community.”
Equity Learning’s approach is rooted in the understanding that math is fundamental to success in STEM fields. By helping students develop both confidence and competence in math, the organization aims to unlock broader opportunities for their futures.
Turning Passion into Action
The seeds of Equity Learning were planted years before its official founding. In middle school, two of the co-founders, Antong and Michael, volunteered to teach math at the Denver Chinese School. Their early teaching experiences, filled with playful “Michael the monster” word problems and kids standing up in class, revealed the power of making learning both personal and fun.
Recognizing the unique challenges students face, the team sought to create a program that extended beyond the constraints of traditional school hours and buildings. They began offering virtual and in-person tutoring sessions that fit into students' schedules, particularly reaching those who lacked academic support systems.
“We understand the struggle of learning new concepts,” the founders say. “We’ve had our own ups and downs, and we know the importance of having peers to turn to.”
Creating Opportunity Through Scholarships
While tutoring provided immediate academic support, the team saw another need: financial relief. Many of their peers juggled school with part-time jobs to help support their families. That’s what inspired Equity Learning’s scholarship program—to encourage students to pursue education without the burden of financial constraints.
One story that stands out is Zayne from Brighton, a student who worked his way up to managing a pizza parlor while maintaining a perfect GPA. Supporting students like Zayne reaffirmed Equity Learning’s belief that hard work and passion deserve recognition.
The scholarship application process is intentionally simple. “We value passion and effort more than stats,” they emphasize. “We prioritize students who need financial support, and we hope our scholarships can make a real difference in their academic journeys.”
Expanding the Vision
The ultimate goal of Equity Learning is ambitious: to reach as many students as possible, across the nation and beyond math. The organization is already making strides with chapters in seven states, offering both virtual and in-person tutoring. Plans for the future include expanding into other subjects like reading and writing, increasing the number of scholarships, and strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the Colorado Math Awards and Kangaroo Math.
Reaching Students Who Need It Most
Equity Learning has made intentional efforts to connect with students who might otherwise miss out on their services. They’ve contacted Title I schools (a school that receives extra federal funding to help students from low-income families), churches, and local volunteers working with underserved families. Flyers, media outreach, and partnerships with school principals have all been part of their grassroots approach.
Their efforts are paying off. Students have shown increased confidence and curiosity. One student, Oscar, initially struggled to stay focused in class. After engaging with Equity Learning’s interactive and playful math sessions, Oscar not only found a passion for math but began competing successfully in math contests.
Overcoming Challenges, Measuring Success
Expanding a student-led nonprofit has not been without obstacles. Reaching students beyond their immediate networks required creative outreach. The team tried everything from news coverage to word-of-mouth promotion, learning along the way that persistence is key.
Their measure of success is simple yet profound: seeing students grow. Whether it’s a child mastering multiplication or a scholarship recipient reducing their work hours to focus on studies, every small win fuels the team’s drive to expand their reach.
Advice to Young Changemakers
When asked what advice they would give to other young people hoping to make a difference, the Equity Learning team’s message is clear: “Take action. Don’t dwell on ideas—just do it.”
Their journey proves that age is no barrier to leadership. By harnessing their skills and passion, they’ve built a thriving organization that not only teaches math but fosters a community of support and possibility.
Looking Ahead
Equity Learning’s future is bright. With continued national expansion, new subject offerings, and growing scholarship support, their goal is to create lasting change in how students experience education.
As AI and other technologies transform learning over the next decade, Equity Learning hopes to remain at the forefront—empowering students with not just academic knowledge but the confidence to shape their own futures.
Their story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a simple observation—and the courage to act.
For more information on Equity Learning’s tutoring services, scholarships, or ways to get involved, visit their website or follow their journey on social media. Together, we can build a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive.