Elite Scholar Tutoring Selected for Indy Black Businesses Micro Grant

We’re excited to spotlight our latest Micro Grant recipient: Elite Scholar Tutoring, founded by educator and entrepreneur Makailya Rice.

Makailya’s journey in education began while serving with AmeriCorps at the Terre Haute Boys & Girls Club, where she first witnessed the power of one-on-one academic support. Since then, her passion for helping students has evolved into a mission, one that blends structure, creativity, and heart through her business, Elite Scholar Tutoring.

Driven by the belief that every scholar deserves to be celebrated and supported, Elite Scholar Tutoring focuses on personalized, high-energy sessions that build both academic skill and student confidence. Whether it’s singing multiplication facts or diving into reading comprehension, the goal is always to make learning engaging, affirming, and joyful.

With this Grant, Makailya plans to host five free pop-up tutoring sessions across the community. These sessions will focus on essential areas like reading fluency, math strategies, writing, and test prep delivered in a group setting that’s both fun and accessible. Students will leave with hands-on learning materials they can continue using at home, from flashcards to take-home workbooks.

Each session is designed to be interactive and approachable, with incentives like stickers, mini whiteboards, and certificates to keep students motivated. In total, the initiative is expected to impact 50+ students, many of whom may not otherwise have access to structured academic support.

Beyond supporting students, the sessions are also an opportunity to increase visibility for Elite Scholar Tutoring and build new relationships with families, community centers, and local schools. It’s a win for the students, and a step forward in the growth of a Black-owned business doing meaningful work in education.

When asked how the community can support her work moving forward, Makailya shared:

“Support goes a long way—whether that’s enrolling a scholar in tutoring, sharing our mission, or purchasing one of our custom workbooks or educational resources.”

We’re proud to uplift Black-owned businesses that are deeply rooted in service and impact. Congratulations again to Makailya Rice and Elite Scholar Tutoring, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Connect with Elite Scholar Tutoring:

🌐 Website: https://www.elitescholar.org/
📸 Instagram: @theelitetutor
📍 On Indy Black Businesses: https://www.indyblackbusinesses.com/biz/elite-scholar-tutoring