Tutoring for a cause in Oceanside

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Like many others, Daniel Khaykin, an Oceanside High School class of 2020 graduate, has been tapping into his own skills to help those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

He and his friend Max Coppola, a junior at OHS, are the cofounders of Safe Solution Tutoring, a low-cost, online tutoring service for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. They created the service when they realized a greater need for schoolwork help among peers and younger students while learning is completely remote.

“We were talking about how bored we are and how many kids are probably struggling without school support,” Khaykin explained. “We decided, ‘let’s help kids with low cost, online tutoring.’

So the friends pooled their funds, along with donations from their families, to launch a website that outlines the services they offer. They also did outreach to get other tutors on board. Now, there are 10 tutors from several states and one from Spain who are ready to virtually tutor those who need it. So far, they have conducted 10 sessions with three clients.

“We’re still growing,” said Khaykin, who has been a tutor since his freshman year and said he enjoys the rewarding experience of helping a student understand their schoolwork. He is attending Duke University for economics in the fall.

Khaykin and Coppola have a vetting process for those who would like to become a tutor. Potential tutors submit an application, which includes their most recent report card, a transcript and resume. Then, applicants conduct a mock tutoring session with the founders via Zoom. The applicant must have an ‘A’ in the subject they wish to tutor.

For students seeking tutoring, the fee is $25 per session. Khaykin and Coppola wanted to make it affordable, and therefore accessible, for the community. “Others charge upwards of $100,” Khaykin explained. “We made it $25 to let as many students as possible get help if they need it.”

In addition, Khaykin and Coppola have been donating a portion of proceeds to the Coronavirus Relief Fund. Now, they have shifted and decided to donate all profits to Campaign Zero, an organization working to end police brutality.

“We believe that education is a fundamental human right,” their website states. “But, we also know that there are many other human rights, and are appalled to see African American individuals being deprived of those rights.”

Looking forward to summer, Safe Solution Tutoring will offer services beyond tutoring, including help with college counseling, test prep and online experiences for children, such as arts and crafts sessions, debate classes and creative writing workshops.