Why We Stand Out

We aren’t like other tutoring companies. We are students too.

Unlike large tutoring companies, we employ college students as tutors. This means our tutors understand the challenges your student faces, like the aftermath of virtual learning or competitive school admissions.

Despite these obstacles, our tutors achieved 99th percentile test scores and attend elite schools around the US. Now, your students can too.

A Note from the Founder

Having attended a Chicago Public School my whole life, I know what it is like to struggle in a class and not have the necessary resources to succeed. I created Maize and Blue Tutors with the goal of making education more accessible. To me, this means making tutoring more affordable and personal.

One unique aspect of our business is that all of our tutors are students themselves (see below for more information). We understand better than anyone what it takes to succeed in a class or on a standardized test because not so long ago, we were in the same position as your student. 

Don’t worry, even though we will make tutoring lots of fun for your student, all of our tutors have significant previous tutoring experience with plenty of positive student outcomes to prove it. Since we are college students, we are able to offer tutoring at a significantly lower price compared to many other tutoring companies. Most of our tutors are also involved in our Michigan Mentors program where we offer free career workshops to high school students over the summer.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to get started today!

Meet The Team

  • Jacob Robins

    FOUNDER | PRESIDENT | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    Hey! My name is Jacob Robins and I am the founder of Maize and Blue Tutors. I have been a private tutor for the last 6 years in addition to working at large tutoring companies like Prepmedians and Chitown Tutoring. I specialize in ACT test preparation, however, I have tutored nearly every subject that we teach!

    Currently, I am a Chemical Engineering major at the University of Michigan. Outside of class, I enjoy working on my nanoparticle research through the Min Research Lab. Additionally, I help run Organic Chemistry Bootcamp, a program that offers free/low-cost Organic Chemistry tutoring for Michigan students to bridge Chemistry knowledge from high school to college.

    I got the opportunity to explore my passion for Computer Science last summer through working at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group as one of only 4 freshmen out of over 100 software engineering interns. This summer, I will be working at Paramount as a software engineering intern on the CBS Sports Team.

    As shown through my diverse interests above, I love to learn and enjoy sharing this passion with my students! In my free time, I enjoy playing pick-up basketball, going on bike rides, and seeing friends!

    Major: Chemical Engineering

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 4.0, ACT - 36

    Notable Achievements: USNCO Honors Recipient, Posse Scholar, 1931E Scholar, CME Software Engineering Intern, Paramount Software Engineering Intern

    Fun Fact: I am a licensed EMT in Michigan!

    Schedule a free 30 minute consultation with me here

  • Will Duggan

    DIRECTOR OF CS PROGRAM | TUTOR | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    Throughout my high school experience, I found myself constantly self-teaching much of the material from my classes. From this experience, I discovered learning styles that were best for me. I began tutoring hoping to share the abilities I was able to learn, believing that each individual learns in their own unique way.

    When I began tutoring in October of 2022, I primarily tutored in physics, a class I have always been interested in. However, I quickly realized that I enjoyed teaching a wide variety of subjects. I began tutoring students in other subjects I had done well in and enjoyed, such as math, chemistry, ACT/SAT and more.

    Outside of tutoring, I enjoy being outdoors, playing video games, and playing sports with friends.

    Major: Computer Science Engineering, Mathematics Minor

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 3.91, ACT - 35

    Notable Achievements: University of Michigan Dean’s List, University of Michigan SPARK racing team

    Fun Fact: I play on an intramural hockey team at the University of Michigan.

  • Nick Walvoord

    DIRECTOR OF CS PROGRAM | TUTOR | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    Throughout my time at a Chicago Public High School, I’ve always been involved in tutoring. From my experiences working with the National Honors Society and my school’s math center, I’ve gained an immense appreciation and understanding of just how much a peer tutor can help. With the skills I developed, I now work with Maize and Blue Tutors to help students improve their performance and comprehension in a variety of subject areas.

    Outside of tutoring, I enjoy working on projects for my consulting group, spending time with friends, playing for the Michigan Club Water Polo Team, and listening to Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soul, and House music.

    Major: Data Science Engineering

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 4.0, ACT - 35

    Notable Achievements: National Merit Scholarship Recipient, University of Michigan Atlas Digital Technology Consulting Group Software Analyst

    Fun Fact: I can play the jazz tenor saxophone!

  • Mehul Gautam

    DIRECTOR OF PRE-HEALTH PROGRAM | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    I am a student at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in neuroscience. My interest in neurological illnesses drives me to explore innovative treatments for various disorders, with a particular focus on using music psychotherapy for dementia. I am also fascinated by the intersections of technology and medicine, which has led me to work on several projects with biotech research labs.

    In addition to my neuroscience endeavors, I have a strong passion for science and mathematics. This enthusiasm fuels my work at Maize and Blue Tutors, where I aim to inspire and educate students in these subjects. I am committed to creating a supportive and enriching learning environment for all our students.

    Major: Neuroscience

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 3.99, ACT - 35

    Notable Achievements: James B. Angell Scholar, ILMEA All-State Musician

    Fun Fact: I love to play tennis in my free time!

  • Hannah Goldwin

    DIRECTOR OF PRE-HEALTH PROGRAM | TUTOR | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    Much of my time in the Chicago Public School system was characterized by tumult. Whether it be the numerous teacher’s strikes or the pandemic, I continuously spent hours at home self-teaching numerous classes and topics. This time allowed me to explore a variety of learning and teaching styles in order to optimize my learning. I have had the opportunity to share these experiences as a tutor and curriculum developer for Maize and Blue Tutors.

    When not tutoring, you can find me aimlessly running around Ann Arbor, playing spikeball and tennis, or with friends and family.

    Major: Biology Health and Society

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 3.94, ACT - 35

    Notable Achievements: William J. Branstorm Freshman Prize, JUF 18 Under 18 Honoree

    Fun Fact: I am a certified doula!

  • Mikayla Peterson

    DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    Hi I'm Mikayla! Since I began coaching gymnastics in high school, I have been passionate about teaching youth. From these years of experience, I gained a deep appreciation for the different ways that individuals experience learning as a process. When thinking about how others learn best, I am motivated to individualize learning experiences to cater to the needs of each person.

    Recently, I have been working as a nursing assistant on an orthopedic surgery floor. This experience has opened my eyes to the wide variety of careers in healthcare. I am currently unsure what avenue of grad school I will be pursuing because I love healthcare but I also love primates and evolution :)

    Major: Human Origins, Biology, and Behavior, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Minor

    Notable Achievements: University of Michigan Dean’s List, Creative Development Co-Chair of HMS

    Fun Fact: I am a certified nursing assistant in Minnesota!

  • Luke Hower

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | TUTOR | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

    I have been tutoring for about 2 years with different organizations, covering a range of subjects. However, my favorite subjects have always been STEM related—specifically those with direct application to the real world. When tutoring, I focus more on the process and the steps that are necessary to reach the answer, rather than the answer itself, as I believe it creates a deeper understanding of the concepts. When I’m not tutoring, I enjoy rock climbing and spending time outdoors.

    Major: Civil Engineering

    Academic Metrics: GPA - 4.0, SAT - 1540

    Notable Achievements: 14 AP Tests with a score of 5, James Scholar, UIUC Solar Decathlon Team

    Fun Fact: I can do a pullup with 177 percent body weight

  • Olivia Park

    TUTOR | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

    Since elementary school, I always spent extra time working through math problems with my dad after school. Through these discussions, I was able to grasp a better understanding of the class material, as well as develop new ways of approaching a problem.

    Knowing how much extra help can mean to a student, I began tutoring my freshman year of high school in a multitude of subjects. Recently, I’ve worked with students studying chemistry, biology, math, humanities, and general study skills.

    In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, and reading.

    Major: Environmental Science

    Academics Metrics: GPA - 3.9, ACT - 33

    Notable Achievements: University of Virginia Dean’s List, Breakthrough Pittsburgh Teaching Fellow

    Fun Fact: I’m on the Virginia Alpine Ski Team!

  • Lily Steinmetz

    UX DESIGNER | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    I’ve always been intrigued by the intersection of technology and human behavior, which led to my passion for UX Design! Whether it's crafting new interfaces or conducting user research, I enjoy the challenge of creating meaningful experiences that resonate with people. In my free time, I’m usually at yoga, dance, or somewhere outdoors!

    Major: B.S. Information - UX Design, Entrepreneurship Minor

    Notable Achievements: Intuit UX Research Intern, Radio Flyer Design Research Intern

    Fun Fact: I am a dual citizen!

  • Vaiva Raisys

    UX DESIGNER | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

    In high school, I developed a keen interest in psychology, which led me to pursue Information Science and User Experience Design at the University of Michigan. Delving into these fields allowed me to explore the intricate dynamics of human-technology interaction and the pivotal role of design in enhancing user experiences. I am particularly drawn to the accessibility aspect of design, as it enables me to investigate ways in which technology can be tailored to accommodate diverse user needs. Beyond academics, I enjoy playing New York Times Games, discovering new places to eat in Ann Arbor, and exploring workout classes throughout Ann Arbor.

    Major: B.S. Information - UX Design, Quantitative Methods in Social Science Minor

    Notable Achievements: James B. Angell Scholar

    Fun Fact: My name means Rainbow in Lithuanian