Shanice is a 14-year-old African American teen who is on a mission to improve her academic career. She enrolled in United Way’s Tomorrow's Leaders in Watts because she wanted extra help with her Algebra. She also became a Youth Intern – someone who is responsible for assisting staff and helping other kids with their homework. After working her intern hours, she received tutoring from staff and peers.

One thing that particularly caught the staff’s attention was Shanice’s ability to help others with their work—especially math—while she was working on her own scores. Shanice finally shared that her shortcomings were based more on a lack of motivation than a lack of understanding about her assignements. She was failing Algebra when she started Tomorrow’s Leaders. Remarkably, within the span of about three months, she had raised her Algebra grades to an "A". 

When asked what inspired her determination,  she says that it was because the staff took such an interest in  her success. The staff says that it was because of Shanice’s dedication and determination, along with her amazing willingness to help others.