EST. 2022
Tip Top Tutors began in 2022 as a high school club founded by a close group of sophomore friends who had grown up together in the local Mandarin immersion program. Driven by a desire to give back to the schools they attended, they started by providing free online and in-person tutoring sessions, alongside hosting seasonal community events at Airport Park. Seeing their younger selves in the students they mentored inspired them to scale their impact. Now in college, these friends have transitioned Tip Top Tutors into a formal organization dedicated to strengthening the West Los Angeles community by providing high-quality, relatable academic support for the next generation.
Founded by students, for students.
Broadway Elementary
Mark Twain Middle
Venice High
Meet Our Founders
UCLA
CO-FOUNDER
Vera Liu
My name is Vera, and I am a second-year Business Economics major at UCLA. I am interested in entrepreneurship and find the application of Mandarin to be useful in my daily life. The skills I acquired from Broadway, Mark Twain, and Venice have helped guide me in my consulting advisory firm, communicating with family in Mandarin, and even connecting with strangers. I was a figure skater for 13 years and have a deep appreciation for learning. My hope is that students walk away with academic confidence and newfound curiosity.
Jillian Griffin
CO-FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Jillian! I'm a second-year student at UCLA majoring in Political Science and minoring in Global Studies. At UCLA I also represent the Bruins on the Cheer Team. Raised in the Westside Los Angeles community, I attended Broadway Elementary, Mark Twain Middle School, and Venice High. Although my adoptive parents do not speak Chinese, they were deeply committed to helping me stay connected to my heritage. One of my fondest memories is going to Chinese restaurants with my dad and ordering for both of us. My parents' support allowed me to participate in Mandarin immersion—a foundational experience that ultimately inspired my current academic path. I am thrilled to combine my passion for learning with a desire to make a positive impact on the community that raised me.
CO-FOUNDER