Mentors for Academic & Peer Support
Mentors for Academic and Peer Support (MAPS) is an outreach project of UCLA’s Muslim Student Association (MSA) founded in 2001. Recognizing the tremendous impact many education policies have on communities of color, MAPS developed as a means of increasing access to institutions historically barring students of color. Composed of three components – Ummah, Ilm and Salam –, MAPS focuses on making a difference through community building, peer advising, and advocating for academic growth.
By situating our work within a larger goal of addressing systemic injustices against historically-marginalized communities, we work with Angelino youth under the guiding doctrines of educational equity and transformative resistance. Far from being just a tutoring program, MAPS strives to develop students’ political consciousness, academic performance, and critical thinking. Through weekly site visits, MAPS supports students on their path to success through academic empowerment and holistic development.
“Far from being just a tutoring program, MAPS strives to expand student perception and understanding of the world around them.”
All of our volunteers are UCLA students, currently working towards completing their degrees. Their commitment and dedication to our students at site, is what makes MAPS truly unique. Holding tight to our components; Salaam, Ilm, and Ummah, we strive to continue making higher education accessible for more students.