Square1 Welcomes Tutor Teens as Part of Its Youth Innovation Ecosystem

Two of Greater Cincinnati’s most innovative, youth-driven initiatives are coming together to expand hands-on leadership and career-building opportunities for local teenagers. Tutor Teens, a community-based, virtual tutoring program founded in 2020 by two local high schoolers, is becoming part of Square1, a Northern Kentucky–based nonprofit focused on empowering student entrepreneurs.

Together, the partnership ensures that Tutor Teens remains true to its roots—by students, for students—while opening a new chapter of growth under Square1’s umbrella. Starting in the 2025–2026 school year, Square1’s entrepreneurship students will run and grow Tutor Teens, gaining real-world leadership and operational experience. Local Tutor Teens will continue to provide free, personalized tutoring to K–12 students across the region.

“This is about aligning two powerful missions,” said Keith Schneider, CEO of Square1. “Tutor Teens was built on the idea that young people can lead, solve problems, and make a difference. That’s exactly what Square1 is all about. We’re thrilled to scale that impact. Erin and Aidan have shown incredible commitment and leadership. Watching them grow the program over the past few years has been inspiring.”

Founded at the start of the pandemic by siblings Erin and Aidan Finn, Tutor Teens has delivered more than 6,000 free virtual tutoring sessions to over 360 students in the Greater Cincinnati area. They’ve recruited and trained more than 300 high school volunteers from more than 25 schools, all by word of mouth. The program has earned national recognition in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Cincinnati Enquirer, and received over $93,000 in grant funding from organizations like Accelerate, Main Street Ventures, the US Presidential Scholars Foundation, and the Reds Community Fund.

“This partnership is an exciting next step for Tutor Teens,” said Erin Finn, a 2023 graduate of The Seven Hills School and now a sophomore at Brown University, and Aidan Finn, a 2021 graduate of St. Xavier High School and currently a senior at the University of Notre Dame. “We started Tutor Teens because students and parents were struggling with remote learning. We never anticipated it would still be going strong five years later. But it’s been one of the most meaningful experiences of our lives. We’re incredibly grateful to the many people and organizations—local and national—who believed in this idea and helped it grow. Square1 is the perfect home to carry the mission forward, keeping it powered by the teens who understand its heart.”

Both founders will stay actively involved during the transition and continue as advisors to the program.

While Square1 will provide structure and support, Tutor Teens’ original mission will continue. The program’s double impact, helping both K–12 learners and the teen tutors who gain confidence, skills, and a sense of purpose, remains central.

Pete Blackshaw, a Tutor Teens board member, sees the collaboration with Square1 as a launchpad for even greater innovation and student-led growth. “This collaboration doesn’t just preserve what made Tutor Teens special—it supercharges it. Square1 is boldly giving real responsibility to young people and trusting them to lead with creativity and purpose.” Blackshaw, now CEO of BrandRank.AI and formerly CEO of Cintrifuse, noted that Tutor Teens thrived because teens knew exactly what was needed at a pivotal time—and stepped up to make it happen.

Tutor Teens has remained deeply rooted in the community, establishing partnerships with the Reds Youth Academy and the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, and benefiting from the guidance of numerous community leaders. Now, with infrastructure and operational support from Square1, including recruiting and mentoring a new cohort of teen leaders through its school partnerships, the program is poised to thrive for years to come.

In the coming months, Square1 and Tutor Teens will begin preparing for the 2025–26 rollout and invite community partners, schools, and students to join in shaping this next chapter.