Paramus Teen Awarded $36K For Founding Non-Profit That Provides Free Tutoring

PARAMUS, N.J. — Zachary Stier has helped hundreds of students conquer their fears of unbalanced equations, proofs, and theorems.

The 19-year-old borough resident founded YMath more than two years ago to try and bridge what he saw was an inequality gap that existed regarding those who got extra help and those who did not.

"I noticed that a lot of people who didn't have access to extra help and those who did," Stier said. "That inspired me to take action and play my part in trying to rectify that wrong."

Stier and a group of volunteer tutors meet at his alma mater, Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and the Garfield YMCA. They work one-on-one with students.

"It is inspiring to see these students improve and see their faces light up when they solve a problem they previously couldn't or tell us they received an "A" on a test," Stier said. "It's really magical almost. You watch that improvement physically manifest itself. They walk straighter and look you in the eye. They know they can do it."

Stier was one of just 14 young adults to receive a $36,000 grant and a Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award. The awards and grants are given to young leaders who work strategically to create workable solutions to critical issues facing society.

"I'm overwhelmed by the incredible generosity," said Stier, who noted the money will be used to purchase much-needed supplies.

Stier will remain on a YMath's director while studying at Princeton University. Two students will help manage the operation at Bergen County Academies while another takes over the day-to-day operations in Garfield.

For more information about YMath, click here.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Zachary Stier, founder and director of YMath