We are all about learning. For everyone.
Bored of Boredom started as a group text of 5 passionate high schoolers ready to make a difference in our world. Since then, 800 dedicated volunteers in high school and college have joined our team to ensure educational equity during the pandemic and beyond for our thousands of students.
As social-distancing measures have been taken for COVID-19, kids are missing out on the joys of a classroom: learning, interacting with friends and having a set schedule. Bored of Boredom aims to change that. We provide free group classes to Pre-K through 12th graders every day in multiple languages, free individual tutoring, and have an after-school study hall for homework help. As students, we know what it’s like to have difficulties learning online, and as a result, we know how to make classes extra engaging.
In our group classes, children around the world interact with each other. A lot of the same kids attend our classes every day and have formed meaningful friendships through our program. For individual tutoring, we pair tutors and students 1-on-1 so they can form deep connections and our volunteers can help their students grow as scholars and people. It’s heartwarming to see how, despite the barriers, online instruction has caused, Bored of Boredom has created a community that will persist beyond the pandemic as a form of supplemental education and support and as a valuable extracurricular activity.
We strive to bring education to everyone, especially those who have historically been excluded from enrichment opportunities. That’s why the majority of our students are neurodiverse, speak English as a second language, or come from under-resourced communities. To accommodate all of our students, our classes are free and accessible, and our volunteers are trained to be kind, compassionate, and patient.
In addition, we’re passionate about social justice. That’s why we have pioneered an initiative to help our students become informed and ethical global citizens—teaching them how to analyze critically, engage in discussion, and make positive impacts on their communities. During Activism Fridays, a program unique to Bored of Boredom, our volunteers teach students about important topics in our world today: race, gender, religion, the environment, immigration, etc.
While our program is free to accommodate lower-income families, we do have a GoFundMe that raises money to help close the digital divide so that all students, regardless of geographic location and economic situation, can have access to the technology and broadband connection that enables them to engage in online education programs like ours.
Fiscal sponsorship: While we are not a 501(c)(3), we are working on fiscal sponsorship and will functionally be a non-profit. We have delayed becoming an official non-profit, as we believe it is more beneficial to the students we teach to focus on developing our current program.
References: We were listed in a USA Today article as an educational resource for elementary school students, written about by the Palisades Post, the Beverly Hills Courier, listed as a resource for single parents on http://reviewed.com, and we were written about by Chief Science Officer of the Bezos Foundation, Ellen Galinsky, for her Non-Profit Research Organization: Families and Work Institute. Hope, our founder, also presented at The Fair Opportunity Project’s Virtual Summit of College Application Resources (1:39) and was interviewed by Education Reimagined for their podcast. Additionally, Hope received the Diller Scholarship for work on Bored of Boredom.
Parent Testimonials
““Just wanted to give you and your peers much praise for your wonderful initiative for the community ❤️ My 4th grader has really enjoyed the opportunities of having additional learning time. It's a difficult time for everybody and neurodiverse kids especially struggle without routine and enrichment. I know so many parents who are overwhelmed right now and this is a brilliant idea and help.”-4th Grade Parent
“A moment of gratitude makes a difference in your attitude. My son has recently started learning with BOB. It is a blessing in disguise at these difficult times. Every tutor is committed and involved in teaching. They are very friendly and helpful. V. has been enjoying the classes a lot. He looks forward [to] the classes every day. As a mother I am very happy that my son is learning and utilizing the time efficiently. Words are not enough to thank you and the noble job you are doing at BOB.Thanks and keep up the good work.”-R.K.
“Hmmm... Where to start? This program has been a life saver for our family as I work full time and my husband is overseas. Thank YOU to all involved for your dedication to the kids and hard work. My kids have very different interests. My 7yo boy faithfully attended all LEGO programming classes. The multiplication class on Sat is another fav of his. He enjoys story time too. My 9yo daughter LOVEs spooky history, art, drawing, signing, ballet AND Biology on Saturdays and book club on Sundays. The biology class got her so interested that now she is reading biology articles on her own.”-N.Z.
““My kids love your classes and the positive attitude that the instructors have towards the kids. It is so nice to see how each kid gets encouraged and [praised] for their work. Your classes not only provide knowledge in a safe environment but also positive and healthy social interaction in which each kid gets to participate. Thank you for all the hard work you guys put and dedicate to our society. Thank you also for the weekly schedule; it helps a lot with the weekly planning.”-R.Z.
“My 7 yr old loves the social studies and history classes. US Presidents and Greek Mythology are favorites. I like having the option of signing up for single classes but I also love the Saturday series because it has allowed everybody to get to know each other. The personal connection has proven very meaningful and enhances the learning experience.”-H.B.
