Making a Difference: Connecting with Kids through Math and Tennis
Jake Walther ’25 tutors New Haven students as part of an innovative program that develops both classroom skills and athletic skills.
In this series, Karen Guzman talks to Yale SOM students about how volunteering complements their business education and connects them to their community.
Student: Jake Walther ’25
Organization: New Haven Youth Tennis & Education (New HYTEs)
What drew you to this particular volunteer opportunity?
My classmate, Ron Coleman ’25, introduced me to New HYTEs. Ron has a leadership role with New Haven Counts, which is the program’s parent organization. I had volunteered in the past with tutoring organizations in Boston, and I knew I enjoyed working with students. When I met the New HYTEs program coordinator, Larry Hurwitz, it was immediately a good fit. Larry is awesome and creates a fun atmosphere for students and volunteers. I teach math skills within the program’s academic component.
What does a typical volunteering shift look like for you?
A typical shift begins with 30 minutes of outdoor activity to give the kids a chance to decompress. From there, we shift inside and work on the fundamentals of math through various exercises and games. Ron and Larry work hard to ensure that these activities are helpful from a learning standpoint while also being fun for the students. If there’s any time left over at the end of sessions, I’ll typically play a card game called Trash, which is a favorite of several students. The two hours usually fly by, and after the students head out we report the activities we worked on to improve the learning experience for the next week.
What are the values that motivate you to volunteer?
Yale is a very special place, and if you’re a student here, you’re lucky. But the same can’t be said for many folks living outside this bubble. The good news is that there are a lot opportunities to make a difference through local volunteer organizations like New HYTEs. Giving back feels right. If working with local students two hours a week can make their lives a little easier or bring joy to their day, it’s time well spent.
How does volunteering complement your MBA education?
An MBA program can be exhausting, between classes and all the networking. Tutoring offers graduate students the opportunity to unplug from stress in a positive way.
What’s one surprising thing you have learned about the City of New Haven?
A lot can be learned through embracing a community as a tutor. What’s surprised me the most is New Haven’s demand for students who can give back to this community. If you’re reading this, please consider volunteering. I promise it’ll be one of the most worthwhile uses of your time!
