Supporting Homeless Youth at Star House

Pass the Class began with a simple mission: meet students where they are and give them the support they deserve. That mission found one of its most meaningful homes at Star House, a drop-in center for youth ages 14–24 experiencing homelessness in Columbus.

Our founders, Andrew Hu and Dan Lesman, started visiting Star House to offer homework help — but quickly realized the young adults there needed much more than tutoring. Today, our volunteers help with college applications, GED prep, job searches, driver’s license studying, resumé writing, and basic digital skills. Most importantly, they build genuine relationships with youth who rarely have reliable support systems.

“They really want you to succeed.”
— Caleb Alexander, Star House student featured in The Columbus Dispatch

What began as a small service project is now a registered nonprofit with over 35 volunteers, including four stationed at Star House every day of the week. Their work shows what happens when students help students: trust grows, confidence builds, and opportunities open.