WATTS TUTORIAL PROGRAM AT UCLA


OUR STORY





The Watts Tutorial Program was founded in 1990 by fellow Bruins Eula Ramroop (Nee Mckinney) and Tina Farris. Drawing on both their personal experiences and their participation in service clubs at UCLA, Eula and Tina developed the program to give kids from underserved Los Angeles communities the opportunity to explore, as Eula put it, “a vision of life outside of what they had seen.” Eula was inspired by the kids she had worked with through the UCLA Prison Coalition Program, many of whom felt safer in institutions than on the streets. These experiences were echoed by the students Tina worked with through the UCLA Inner-city Tutorial Project, which involved tutoring in continuation schools in Los Angeles. Passionate about their work in both clubs, Tina and Eula realized that what these kids needed was safety, mentorship, education, and exposure to opportunities that they didn’t even know existed. They started the Watts Tutorial Program to achieve these goals. Tutors would pile into UCLA Carpool vans- rented and driven by Tina and Eula - and head to Imperial Courts housing project - one of three major housing communities in the middle of Watts, tutoring high school students earning their high school diplomas or their GED.



Our Board Members



Taylor Martin



Co-President



My name is Taylor Martin and I'm a fourth year Psychobiology major with an interest in pursuing a career in the health or psychology fields. This is my second year as Co-President and my third year on the board of Watts. I love that this club embodies such a special sense of community and dedication to serving others. When I'm not at Watts, I enjoy working as a research assistant at the UCLA Stress Lab at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and playing on the UCLA Women's Club Soccer Team!



Joshua Mehany



Co-President



Hi everyone! My name is Joshua Mehany, and I’m a third-year Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology major with hopes of entering healthcare to improve access in underserved communities. I am deeply passionate about tutoring and mentorship, and believe wholeheartedly that Watts Tutorial Program at UCLA is making a real difference and I’m honored to be a part of it! In my free time you can find me at the beach, hiking, or reading a book somewhere the sun is shining. We hope to see you at WTP!



Soren Schauer



Vice President & External Director



Hi everyone! My name is Soren Schauer and I am a senior at UCLA majoring in political science with a minor in global studies. Some of my hobbies include spending time with friends, painting, going to the beach, and Pilates. I’ve been a member of WATTS Tutorial Program since my sophomore year and I love being a part of the program. I cannot wait for another great year!



Miracle Ogbonnaya



Finance Director



Hi, my name is Miracle Ogbonnaya and I'm a 4th year Psychobiology major here at UCLA. When I'm procrastinating or just hanging out, I love to bake, randomly sing out loud, and play tennis. I also really enjoy learning new things which is why I like the undergraduate research I am involved in at the BSRB (Biomedical Research Building). It's the same reason I appreciate Watts. I've always loved working and learning with children, so when I found Watts, I was really excited. And I'm even more excited for what this school year has in store for us!



Christina Panossian



Co-Academic Director



Hi! My name is Christina Panossian, and I am one of the Academic Directors for the Watts Tutorial Program. I am a fourth-year International Development Studies major with a minor in Public Affairs on the pre-law track. I am passionate about educational equity, mentorship, and providing academic and personal support to those seeking higher education. This program has been an absolute joy to be a part of and I will always appreciate the community that I found through this program!! I am looking forward to the program’s continued success in the 2024-2025 school year!



Tara Srinivasan



Co-Academic Director



Hi! My name is Tara Srinivasan and I am Co-Academic Director at Watts! I’m a psychology major with minors in Digital Humanities and Scandinavian Studies. In Watts, I love being able to connect with all the kids and see them grow over time. I’m extremely excited for this year!



Diego Mancia



Secretary



Hello everyone! My name is Diego Mancia and I am a third year Spanish Major and Education Studies Minor at UCLA. I enjoy photography, writing, spending time at the beach, hiking, and listening to music in my free time. Going into my second year in this program, it has been a big highlight to be part of this embracing community. I aspire to be a teacher and Watts Tutorial Program has kindly and openly offered me the opportunity to build connections with peers and children in such a special way that I could not recommend enough!



Zamijah Oshilim



Social & Activities Director



“Hi Everyone! My name is Zamijah Oshilim, and I am a third-year neuroscience major and Pre-Med student at UCLA. My experiences at UCLA and working with children have been incredibly rewarding, particularly through my involvement in various clubs and leadership roles. I've actively participated in the Afrikan Education Project (AEP), volunteered as a Summer Youth Volunteer, and contributed here at Watts. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Watts and look forward to continuing to learn from different students, gaining a deeper understanding, and serving the community better. “



Julius Bort



Nutrition Director



Hello! My name is Julius Bort and I’m about to begin my fourth year at UCLA as a Communications major. In addition to my passion for soccer and tennis, I’ve developed a love for working with children after spending a summer as a camp counselor. Watts has provided me with the perfect opportunity to pursue this newfound passion and I’m extremely excited for what’s to come!



Today...



It’s been over 30 years since Tina and Eula founded the Watts Tutorial Program, and the program continues to thrive and flourish. Watts Tutorial Program is designed to empower youth at every stage of development by providing a supportive, engaging environment. We focus on the whole child: their health and well-being, education, and development as a leader. In addition to our K-12 programming continuum, Watts Tutorial Program offers trusting relationships with UCLA student volunteers and exposure to our UCLA campus, clubs and programs, giving students the opportunity to get a taste of college life. Each week we serve about 20-30 students, all of who are from the Watts community.


Our youth inspire us. Whether they’re just learning how to read or filling out college applications, they are full of energy, resilience, and promise. They resist stereotypes, embrace a positive self-image, and inspire their peers to do the same. They rise to challenges, and they dream big.





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