Building confidence. Strengthening skills. Inspiring potential.

Academic Allies provides academic and social support to middle and high school students at the A. Quinn Jones School through individualized tutoring, mentorship, encouragement, and meaningful connections with University of Florida student volunteers.

Academic Allies mentors and students at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
Our Mission

Academic and social support for students who need an ally.

Academic Allies is a student-led organization dedicated to providing academic and social support to underserved middle and high school students attending the A. Quinn Jones School. We support students who are preparing to transition back into traditional public school settings, helping them feel more confident and supported both academically and personally.

Through individualized and small-group tutoring, primarily in reading and math, our volunteers provide consistent academic support while also serving as mentors and positive role models. Through tutoring, encouragement, motivational conversations, and mentorship, we help students strengthen their academic skills, build confidence and resilience, and recognize their potential for future success. Academic Allies also promotes educational equity by connecting university student volunteers with students who may benefit from additional academic resources and positive social support.

Individualized & Small-Group Tutoring

Focused academic support, primarily in reading and math, tailored to each student's individual pace and needs.

Mentorship & Positive Role Models

Consistent, caring volunteers who provide encouragement, mentorship, and positive social support.

Educational Equity

Connecting university student volunteers with students who may benefit from additional academic resources, encouragement, and support.

An Academic Allies volunteer tutoring students at a partner school
A handwritten thank-you note to Academic Allies from a partner school's staff
From Our School Partners
Get Involved

Upcoming Events

Stay tuned

We're finalizing our upcoming events — check back soon.

Meet the Team

Executive Board

Introducing our 2026–2027 executive board.

Ella Sekelik

Ella Sekelik

President
YearSenior
MajorBehavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience
HometownPittsburgh, PA
Favorite Academic Allies Memory

"Wordle with the English Class."

Amanda Baez

Amanda Baez

Vice President
YearSenior
MajorHealth Sciences
HometownGainesville, FL
Favorite Academic Allies Memory

"Family Fun Day."

Tony Daragjati

Tony Daragjati

Treasurer
YearSenior
MajorNutritional Sciences
HometownJacksonville, FL
Favorite Academic Allies Memory

"Playing 1 on 1 basketball with students after finishing up early for the day."

Zoe Metchick

Zoe Metchick

Secretary
YearSenior
MajorCriminology, Minor in History
HometownNew Smyrna Beach, FL
Favorite Academic Allies Memory

"Getting to know the students beyond academics!"

Join Us

Become a Mentor

Tell us a bit about yourself and we'll reach out about next steps.

Ready to apply?

Fill out our mentor application.

Open Mentor Application

Opens in a new tab. Questions before you apply? Contact us.

Get In Touch

Contact & Partnerships

Have a question, want to partner with us, or represent a school that could use our support? We'd love to hear from you.

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