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One step at a time. Building stability through community.

Consistent, accessible tutoring services for free, for immigrant, refugee, and multilingual students.

We work with schools and community groups to set up weekly online tutoring. Students get more comfortable with English, keep up in class, and feel more at home where they live.

Each learner is paired with a student volunteer. We keep the same tutor with the same student whenever we can, and families never pay.

Three children laughing together on the grass with a tablet, a phone, and a laptop — Learning works better together

Founder

My name is Keiko Shinha.

Hi! My name is Keiko Shinha. As a first-generation immigrant, I have seen how uncertainty within the political landscape can deeply affect immigrant, refugee, and other multilingual communities. Now, more than ever, the community must come together to help one another. Motivated by my background and these realities, I created a platform to help connect families in need with resources, support, and stability.

Keiko Shinha · Founder · 808-840-3643

Keiko Shinha, founder of the Common Ground Foundation, on a beach in Hawaiʻi with palm trees behind her — Keiko Shinha, founder — Hawaiʻi

Why we exist

Created in response to growing uncertainty.

The Common Ground Foundation was created in response to the growing uncertainty that many immigrant, refugee, and multilingual communities face today. Changes in immigration policies, increased enforcement, and the loss of essential benefits make it increasingly difficult to access critical systems that support their everyday lives as they know them.

We saw how these conditions affect access to support, education, and funds. Rights and opportunities that all families and children deserve may feel overwhelming or out of reach for many families.

The Common Ground Foundation offers education, awareness, and empowerment to multilingual families. From immigrant communities to English-learning children, our organization develops free educational resources for all. Through our free virtual tutoring program, children all across the nation are able to access the basic right to education and support. In a time of struggle, we are here to help.