As a high school student in Montgomery County, Kimel started Peer2Peer Tutors, which relies on students to teach other students and has since expanded into six school districts across the country. What is Peer2Peer?
It’s a student-to-student tutoring network. We empower top high school students with a paid part-time job as a tutor at a lower cost than private tutoring.
How did the business get stated?
There was a sixth-grader who needed help in algebra. He was a wild man, who would run around the kitchen and didn’t want anything to do with tutoring. But he said he really liked basketball, and when he found out I was on the team, I became the coolest person in the world to him. Those common interests are what make this work. I knew I wanted to have my own business, and I knew that students were some of the best teachers. It just exploded from there.
What is the biggest challenge for students today?
Personally, I think students need confidence. Our education system is set up to get pretty rigorous at a young age. You can be left to feel stupid in third or fourth grade. So we’re looking for common interests or passions that make them feel comfortable with a tutor.
What are some of the keys to educational success at an early age?
It’s about developing study skills, how to manage time while being pulled in so many different directions.
Besides money, what have you gained from this experience?
It’s been extremely fulfilling. I’ve watched students who used our services in seventh grade, who are now tutors. It’s really come full circle. And our new focus is on the students who really need the help but can’t afford it.
It’s eye-opening how many high-poverty areas there are even in Montgomery County Public Schools.
Brian Hughes
