School on Wheels volunteers provide free tutoring and mentoring to children from kindergarten through twelfth grade living in shelters, motels, vehicles, group foster homes, and the streets of Southern California.

1 in every 20 children
in California does not have a home

Homelessness has a devastating impact on children’s educational opportunities:

  • Nine times more likely to repeat a grade
  • Four times more likely to drop out of school entirely

Over the past 30 years, we have served more than 50,000 students!


Every one of these kids has a story, a past, and a future.

All have one thing in common—a volunteer tutor whose precious time and caring helped them learn and encouraged them to dream.

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We train and match volunteers with our students and provide:

  • One-on-one weekly tutoring
  • School supplies
  • Assistance in entering school
  • Scholarships
  • Parental support
  • A learning center on Skid Row

You Can Make a Difference

We spend 92 cents of every dollar directly on student programming. Your donation helps us continue providing students with up-to-date, high-quality educational support.

We match tutors with students based on schedule, location, and expertise. Tutors receive training on trauma-informed approaches to education and ongoing academic planning support.

Start your own supply drive, either in-person or online. Getting started is easy and only takes a few minutes! Student wish lists and downloadable posters can be found here.

Volunteer tutors are our wheels—reaching students in six counties in Southern California and covering a span of 2,500 square miles.

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Support Us

We survive through donations of people like you, who believe that every child has potential.

“Making a connection with my tutor was the best thing that ever happened to me while being homeless, and since then, I have maintained a constant relationship with them.”

Angela Sanchez
School on Wheels Board Member and former student

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Volunteer opportunities

  • One-on-one tutoring
  • Peer tutoring
  • Online tutoring
  • Group tutoring

Are you an active tutor? Welcome back.