Pass the Class at The Ohio State University
Every student deserves someone in their corner
About Us:
Pass the Class is a student-led nonprofit based at The Ohio State University, dedicated to breaking cycles of educational inequality by connecting OSU student mentors with homeless and underprivileged youth in the Greater Columbus Area. We believe that academic support and human connection have the power to change the trajectory of a young person’s life—and we’re committed to offering both.
Our volunteers work one-on-one as tutors, mentors, and role models for youth, providing help with coursework, study skills, and long-term academic confidence. Whether a student is currently enrolled in school or seeking to return, our goal is to make education feel less overwhelming, more accessible, and more achievable.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to deepen and expand Pass the Class’s impact here in Columbus.
We aim to reach more schools, more shelters, and more youth-serving organizations, increasing the number of students who have access to reliable, supportive one-on-one tutoring.
As we grow our volunteer base at Ohio State, we will continue to strengthen partnerships across the city—ensuring that more youth have someone in their corner, showing up week after week.
Because every student deserves a chance—not just to pass, but to thrive.
A Letter from the President:
It is a true privilege to serve as the 2025-26 President of Pass The Class. Being part of this organization throughout my time in college has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my undergraduate career. I have had the opportunity to watch our team grow, evolve, and deepen its impact on students across Columbus.
Since 2017, Pass The Class has been committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to the academic support and mentorship they deserve. What makes our organization special is our belief that learning goes far beyond homework help. By prioritizing strong relationships and socio-emotional development, we strive to create an environment where students feel seen, supported, and confident in their ability to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
We are grateful for your interest in Pass The Class. The work we do is only possible because of the dedication of our mentors, the trust of our students, and the ongoing partnership of those who share our vision for educational equity. I invite you to learn more about our programs and reach out with any questions.
Warm Regards,
Harsha Sanaka
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. We ask that all applicants have a minimum 3.0 GPA to ensure that volunteers are academically prepared to support the students they work with.
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More than anything, we value genuine compassion, reliability, and a desire to serve others. Academic ability matters, but your dedication to showing up for the youth we mentor matters even more.
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Volunteers are asked to commit 1–1.5 hours per week, typically spent tutoring one-on-one at a partner location. Many volunteers choose to serve more often, but weekly participation is the minimum.
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Any Columbus youth age 24 or under is welcome to request support. We focus on serving homeless and at-risk students, but tutoring is available to all, free of charge.
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Yes — 100%.
No fees, no signup cost, no hidden charges.
Our volunteers tutor solely to give back to the community.
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All tutoring happens in person at approved partner sites such as shelters, youth centers, and local schools throughout Columbus. We do not offer virtual tutoring at this time.
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Youth or organizations can reach out through our Contact Us page. After submitting a request, a member of our team will follow up to begin the pairing process.
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Absolutely. Training and support are provided.
A willingness to learn and be consistent is what matters most.