If you look at the “volunteer resume” for Arjit Singh, it would be easy to conclude that he’s spent decades giving of his time, talent and resources in support of countless others.
But just take a look at what this rising high school senior and our July 2023 “Volunteer of the Month” has already accomplished so far in life:
Launched his own STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) tutoring non-profit.
Serves as an after-school classroom tutor at KidWorks.
Raises funds for KidWorks.
Joined with his family to prepare and deliver and hot meals to KidWorks families during the height of the pandemic in summer 2020.
Volunteers at Kaiser Permanente.
Volunteers as a Science Olympiad tutor at Beacon Park kindergarten through eighth grade school in Irvine.
As if all this doesn’t keep Arjit busy enough, he’s also planning to major in neuroscience once he graduates high school so he can practice medicine, a profession he calls “a noble and a great avenue to help people in need.”
Our July honoree has been a KidWorks volunteer since summer 2020, serving at our Townsend Street Center in central Santa Ana.
He helps students in grades three through five during the school year.
“The students’ faces light up when Arjit arrives,” says Karina Flores, Site Director, Townsend Street Center
“He’s been a consistent volunteer throughout the school year, including leading a competitive math workshop. Our student really enjoyed the workshop and it sparked an increased interest in the subject.”
Karina said the students were at first a little skeptical about a math workshop, but Arjit put them at ease.
“He taught advanced math in such a fun way so that it soon became a popular workshop,” Karina says.
“It’s such a privilege to recognize and express our deepest appreciation for Arjit, a remarkable volunteer who has made an indelible impact on the lives of students at KidWorks,” says Vanessa Hernandez, our Volunteer Manager. “Arjit's dedication and compassionate spirit have touched the hearts and minds of our students.”
Adds Vanessa, “Arjit's commitment to KidWorks has been truly inspiring. His ability to connect with students personally and understand their unique challenges and aspirations has made him an exceptional mentor and role model. His patience, kindness and genuine care have created an environment that fosters personal growth.”
In many ways, volunteering at KidWorks has been a family affair for Arjit, his parents and siblings.
His brother, Amitoj Singh, who now attends the University of California, Berkeley, was our February 2020 “Volunteer of the Month.” His sister, Avnit Kaur is a rising high school sophomore who also volunteers at KidWorks.
And, of course, the entire family, joined together when they provided about 100 nutritious, hot meals to the families we serve during the pandemic summer of 2020.
Arjit’s non-profit is called EpicSTEMTutor. When he works as a paid math and science tutor, he donates proceeds back to KidWorks.
“I hope the students in central Santa Ana get more involved in competitive math and science tournaments,” Arjit says. “This will open more learning opportunities for the students.”
He adds, “KidWorks is doing a great job of providing students with the tools to succeed. I hope they get more funds to take students to these competitions.”
In his spare time, Arjit plays the tabla, an Indian percussion Instrument.
KidWorks is so inspired by Arjit’s servant’s heart. We consider him the perfect role model and mentor for our students.
We invite high school and college/university students to learn more about how KidWorks can provide you with opportunities to earn service hours, intern and volunteer.
By Glenn Leibowitz, volunteer writer