OUR STORY
Founded on October 19th, 2020, Connect Me began as a vision by then high school student Mehmet Tascioglu to make a difference in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mehmet had a simple goal: to provide free, reliable tutoring to those most affected by school closures and coronavirus outbreaks.
What started as a local initiative supporting 15 students in the Metro-Detroit area quickly blossomed into an international nonprofit organization with the help of a dedicated team of hardworking volunteers and beneficial news partnerships. After Detroit Fox News picked up on Mehmet’s story, Connect Me gained needed visibility and was able to grow substantially.
Over the past 5 years, Connect Me has grown exponentially, becoming the largest student-run tutoring nonprofit organization in the United States. With a team of over 600 volunteers, Connect Me has hosted over 60,000 free tutoring sessions, with a reach extending to 43 states and 12 different countries, while providing over $5.7 million dollars worth of free tutoring.
Throughout this time, Connect Me has been featured on major news outlets, including USA Today, ABC, and Fox News, and was honored with the NBC “Making a Difference” Award in 2021.
Our success, growth, and impetus to continually better our services stem from our professional leadership structure and our hardworking volunteers. Connect Me's mission is to give back and support the community as volunteers with a passion for tutoring, and we're aiming to meet our mission for every community.
October 19th, 2020
Where it all began
In the middle of a global pandemic, a small group of high school students in southeast Michigan came together with one goal: make learning free and accessible for everyone. That spark became Connect Me Tutoring -- a student-led movement, powered by compassion and purpose
January 2021
First public appearance
Just a few months later, our story spread nationwide through Hometown Life and FOX 2 Detroit. The world began to see how students could step up, innovate, and bring hope to their peers through the power of tutoring.
December 2021
NBC "making a difference" award
Connect Me was honored with NBC's "Making a Difference" Award, celebrating how a team of young volunteers transformed education during one of the most challenging times for students everywhere.
2021-2022
From local to national reach
Our second year was all about growth. We built leadership teams, created training programs, and expanded far beyond southeast Michigan -- connecting tutors and students from across the United States and around the world.
2023
Strengthening our mission
As we grew, we focused on impact and sustainability. We launched new initiatives, expanded our Executive Team, and deepened partnerships with schools and youth organizations -- building the foundation for long-term success.
November 2024
NSHSS "Be More" grant
Connect Me received the "Be More" Grant from the National Society of High School Scholars, recognizing Connect Me's innovation, leadership, and dedication to educational equity and excellence.
2024-2025
Global impact
By 2025, Connect Me has provided over 40,000 tutor sessions valued at $4.2 million, led by 600+ leadership members and tutors spanning 43 states and 12 countries. What started as a small idea has become a worldwide force for good.
October 19th, 2025
Celebrating five years
Five years later, Connect Me stands as the largest student-run free tutoring service in the United States -- a vibrant community of students helping students, providing the leadership, empathy, and education that can truly change lives.
2026 & Beyond
We're Just Getting STarted
Connect Me's mission is to give back and support the community as volunteers with a passion for tutoring. Our mission never ends, and therefore, neither does our work. Connect Me has lofty aspirations for the next decade and beyond.