Champions for Public Schools

It was during his graduate studies at Caltech that Vishagan (Vish) Ratnaswamy first became involved with School on Wheels, a nonprofit that provides free tutoring and mentoring to children living in shelters, motels, vehicles, group foster homes, or on the streets of Southern California.

When he later moved to San Francisco, Vish continued this commitment by tutoring foster students at SFUSD schools including James Denman, Balboa, and San Francisco International High School. He primarily supported students in math, English, and science, but stepped in wherever he was needed. Last year, he worked closely with a foster student at San Francisco International High School who has since become a first-generation college student.

Through this volunteer work, Vish became acutely aware of the challenges foster youth face - not only academically, but also in accessing the broader support systems they need to thrive. As a researcher, he was compelled to explore these challenges through a scientific and systemic lens: What infrastructure, beyond education, is necessary to help students overcome barriers and succeed?

Aware of the Chang Career Exploration Prize -an award for Caltech alumni to pursue innovative projects with social impact- Vish applied and was awarded it. He donated $20,000 to support foster youth at SFUSD.

Reflecting on his experience, Vish shared: 

“When you first meet someone, especially foster youth, they can be shy. But once trust is built, they open up and share what’s really going on - both the support they’re receiving and the gaps. When I applied for the grant, I drew heavily on what students told me. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that vulnerable students need authentic, individualized relationships. With that support, they build confidence, and once they catch up academically, they’re eager to take on more.”

When asked what students identified as working in schools, Vish noted the importance of human connection: a trusted teacher, counselor, or friend group. “That’s what they leaned on,” he explained. “But when teachers don’t know the whole picture, there’s often a disconnect - missed assignments, absences, and students not feeling comfortable. Relationships make the difference.”

He also pointed to challenges outside the classroom: food insecurity, late nights, and lack of stability at home, which often interfere with homework and learning. At the same time, he highlighted the critical role of school wellness centers and caring adults who “meet students where they’re at” and help prevent home issues from compounding school struggles.

Vish credits the Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program team, including former FYSCP intern Cassidy Hall and site coordinator Casey Costello, with helping him navigate difficult situations and making his tutoring experience meaningful.

On the importance of community support, Vish is clear:

“Every dollar counts, especially at SFUSD, which serves so many vulnerable students, including foster youth. These students need consistent attention, care, and resources.”

Looking ahead, Vish hopes to publish his research to bring more visibility to the challenges and opportunities for supporting foster youth.

“Tutoring has given me a granular understanding of what kids need day to day. With this grant, I’ve been able to step back and look at the bigger picture - using my training to explore how we can create systems that truly help them succeed.”