The transformation hasn’t been limited to numbers. The Bishop Kelley Robotics team now makes monthly visits, leading hands-on STEM activities, like the rocket workshop in the photo to the left. Student-athletes and fine arts participants bring enrichment programs to life, while faculty and staff from Bishop Kelley volunteer their time and talents, strengthening bonds across the community.
Building Bridges Through Learning: How the North Tulsa Learning Center Is Transforming Lives
July 8, 2025
By Ms. Christine Tyler, Social Studies Faculty, NTLC Volunteer Adviser
In the heart of North Tulsa, where vibrant community spirit meets a passion for equity, a quiet revolution in education is underway. The North Tulsa Learning Center (NTLC) is not just a place for academic tutoring—it’s a thriving hub of mentorship, empowerment, and opportunity.
Founded in the 2021–2022 school year, NTLC was born from a vision shared by the sister parishes of St. Monica and St. Augustine, along with members of the Bishop Kelley High School community. These leaders came together in the spring of 2021 to confront educational disparities and respond directly to the needs of the Tulsa community. What started as a grassroots initiative has blossomed into a dynamic, student-powered program that bridges more than just achievement gaps—it bridges communities.
At its core, NTLC offers free, student-led tutoring in reading and math for K–8 students, serving as a lifeline for young learners in underrepresented neighborhoods. But it’s more than tutoring; it’s a movement toward academic growth and socio-demographic equity.
Humble Beginnings, Transformational Growth
NTLC’s first year was modest: just four students and a small group of Bishop Kelley volunteers. But its impact was immediate—and so was its potential. Fast forward to the 2023–2024 school year, and NTLC had expanded exponentially. Nearly 100 Bishop Kelley students contributed over 550 hours of service, supporting an average of 15 elementary and middle school students per session.
A Space Reimagined
Housed in the St. Augustine Parish Hall, NTLC has also undergone a physical transformation, thanks to generous supporters. The once-simple learning space now includes a library of over 600 books, instructional materials, and educational games—all aimed at sparking curiosity and deepening engagement.
In 2024, a grant enabled the purchase of student-focused furniture, enhanced classroom security, and improved resource storage—creating an environment where students can truly thrive. Ergonomic chairs, collaborative seating, bean bags, and vibrant rugs have turned the center into a space that feels as welcoming as it is functional.
“When we began the 2024–2025 tutoring year in September, we celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony,” said an NTLC representative. “Each classroom ribbon was cut with joy and anticipation. From day one, our volunteers noticed the difference—the kids were more focused, more engaged, more excited to learn.”
More Than a Program—A Partnership
What truly sets NTLC apart is the relationships it fosters. The center has become a bridge between the North Tulsa and Bishop Kelley communities, creating space for authentic mentorship and meaningful connections. High school students grow as leaders and role models, while younger learners gain confidence, skills, and a sense of belonging.
The gratitude is profound. “Your investment in our center goes beyond furniture—it directly enhances the educational experience of every student who walks through our doors,” the NTLC team shared in a message to a private donor. “We would love for you to visit and see firsthand the difference your contribution has made.”
A Vision for the Future
NTLC’s success is rooted in ongoing collaboration. Bi-annual meetings with school and parish leaders ensure the program continues to evolve, always guided by the needs of the community it serves. What began as a shared dream has grown into a powerful force for change—one that continues to write a story of resilience, unity, and hope.
In a world where educational inequality remains a daunting challenge, the North Tulsa Learning Center offers a model of what’s possible when compassion meets commitment. And in the laughter, focus, and discovery echoing through its halls, the future of Tulsa shines just a little brighter.
Outstanding Young Alumni: Sam Littlefield ’10 Sam Littlefield attended Marquette from 1996 - 2006 before attending Bishop Kelley in the fall of 2006. At Bishop Kelley, Sam was President of Student Council his senior year, was also named Mr. Kelley, and was honored with the Bishop’s Medal upon his graduation in 2010. Sam set sail west and attended the University of San Diego from 2010 - 2014. While there, Sam served as President of his fraternity during his junior and senior years. He graduated with a BA in English in 2014. During his senior year, Sam applied to Gallo Winery’s esteemed sales rep academy and out of 5,000 applicants, was one of the 14 selected for this role out of college. He received world class sales training for a year before an opportunity presented itself for Sam to work as an Account Manager at a global digital marketing agency in downtown San Diego. In 2016, Sam moved back home to Tulsa eager to take on a role at Littlefield Agency, which his father, David, started in 1980. Sam has been at Littlefield for almost 9 years—becoming President in 2020 during the pandemic! Sam bought the agency in 2021. His role now is leading the charge on all new business and fostering key client relationships for ongoing accounts while running agency operations day-to-day. Sam has a staff of 24 all-stars…all here in Tulsa. This year, AD AGE, which is a global media industry magazine, named Littlefield as a Best Place to Work—one of the highest national marketing awards you can receive as an agency. Sam was recently elected as the youngest Chairman in MAGNET, which is an international group of over 30 independently owned marketing agencies made up of successful CEOs and Principals throughout the world. Sam met his wife Tara in December of 2016 and they were married in December of 2018 at Christ The King in Tulsa. Tara is a Doctor of Medical Dentistry and she owns and operates Littlefield Dentistry. They have two beautiful children: four-year-old Matthew and two-year-old Veronica.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE One hundred and forty-one Bishop Kelley students were recently named AP Scholars through their demonstrated excellence in the Advanced Placement (AP) program. Fifty-nine of these students were named as AP Scholars with Distinction. The accolade is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of the exams. This is the highest recognition the College Board offers through the AP program. In addition, thirty-two Bishop Kelley students were named AP Scholars with Honors. These awards are granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Another fifty students have been designated AP Scholars, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Two hundred and fifty-seven Bishop Kelley students took a record six hundred and twenty-six Advanced Placement (AP) tests in May, 2025 with an extraordinary 85% scoring “3” or higher. Nineteen percent of Bishop Kelley test takers scored the highest possible “5” on their exams, the equivalent of “Extremely Well Qualified” according to the College Board which administers the international testing. A “5” equates to an A+ or A in college level classes. Internationally, only 9% of all tests earn a “5” score. Another thirty-six percent of Bishop Kelley students scored at the second highest tier, a “4,” equal to ”Very well Qualified,” a level only achieved by twenty percent of all testers. The record number of exams for Bishop Kelley students cover a wide range of disciplines including science, math, English, social studies, fine arts, world languages and business. The largest number of tests for Bishop Kelley students included one hundred and thirteen AP English Language and Composition students, followed by eighty-six students who took the AP United States Government test, and seventy-one who took the AP United States History exam. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5 with a “passing” score considered to be a “3” or higher. Bishop Kelley offers students AP exams in nineteen different subject areas. AP tests, developed by college and university professors, are considered among the most rigorous college-preparatory exams for high school students today. Bishop Kelley AP Scholars with Distinction Tycen R. Armour Lola K. Bain Anne Blankenship Rebecca Carlile Faith C. Chernisky Emily Clower Micah Cutsinger Ellen O. Dale Anthony W. Dunham John P. Edwards Lauren E. Embry Gianna M. Frey Alejandro Garduno Joseph A. Gareis Camden E. Gehring Macy C. Gerkin Julia S. Godwin Evan D. Green Julia H. Grisaffe Noah T. Hart Charles D. Hill James H. Hillman Benjamin T. Hoel Dylan M. Huntley Amelia R. Johnson Connor T. Kelley Kate H. Klimisch Keira L. Koenigsknecht Lauren M. Leake Isabella M. McClure Eleanor R. McDermott Elisabeth A. McIntosh Berkley R. Means Madeline G. Mellen Sara N. Miller-Laquerre Ella G. Miller Finley G. Munn Sally K. Murrah Danny Nguyen Gavin Nguyen Quynh-Nhu M. Nguyen Natalia Ochoa Daniel Papa Anna I. Pereira Ethan Perkins Luke Perkins Makenzie B. Pohlenz Emma Rasor Violet Ritchie Jocelyn P. Ross Joseph A. Schurman Giavanna R. Smith Veronica C. Sousa Kate L .Strandmark Divya C. Thomas Hope E. Thompson Jonathan V. Tran Dat J. Vu Teagan B. Yarbrough Bishop Kelley AP Scholars with Honors Charlie Bagley Madeline L. Balbas Clara E. Berg Alexander J. Clark Olivia V. Dietz John N. Galbraith Madeline E. Gerkin Isabella G. Gilbert Beau A. Goodwin Owen G. Govier Madison R. Green Owen M. Hair William L. Johnson Robert T. Jones Robert W. Karlovich Camryn Liechti Ella R. Lundt Joseph P. McKean Sophia R. Mcknight Nicholas J. Modovsky Claire Nelson Eva V. Nguyen Isaac Oliphant Abigail F. Orr Lillian N. Orr Shannon F. Ray Emilia G. Ross Lily Tran Laila J. Uhren Colette VanTrease Marcus S. Warden Collin M. Williams Bishop Kelley AP Scholars Jacob T. Arp Patrick R. Berg Kassie M. Brannon Quinn M. Brasseux Audrey E. Brewer Jaelin R. Brooks Maurizio A. Carbonell Joshua A. Cheong Joseph D. Clancy Natalie A. Colombin Kennedy Cooper Isaac R. Dailey Anna H. Dougherty Mary Alice A. Doyle Mackenzie E. Engelke Malana L. Eureste Trevor P Gable . Andrei Emmanuel B. Galvez Claire V. Goodman Addison K. Greer Bode R. Harris Eli Horeled Hayden R. Hutto Erin A. Jolin Vinny J. Jones Asher J. Keltner Hudson J. Kruggel David M. Lenhart Madelyn R. Lynch Jacqueline K. Manning Cooper S. Marz Stacey L. Maupin Rowan J. Meyers Jordan Morales Andrew W. Nix Karelis Olivares Laurel B. Pohlenz Anthony T. Pollard Caroline E. Rabb Olivia K. Rambo Charlie F. Ritchie William R. Ritzhaupt Tristan K. Shadid Abigail R. Sherwood Lola Shyers Hailey N. Stoller Bethany N. Suszczynski Elizabeth T. Tran Ethan T. Tran Laila N Wong Bishop Kelley Mission Bishop Kelley is a Catholic diocesan high school, inspired by St. John Baptist De La Salle, that carries on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ by preparing students’ hearts and minds for a purposeful life. More About Bishop Kelley Bishop Kelley High School is Oklahoma’s largest private high school and is considered a life-preparatory institution. It offers a faith-based education that fosters academic excellence, spiritual growth and personal development. The school features a rigorous curriculum, including more than 40 honors and AP courses across a wide range of disciplines. With an average ACT score of 28 and an average SAT score of 1260, Bishop Kelley graduates are well-prepared for college, with 90% attending four-year institutions. The Blessed Stanley Rother Academic Support Program provides individualized assistance to students with diverse learning needs. Beyond the classroom, students can choose from more than 30 clubs and organizations, while athletes, academic bowl, and the speech and debate team compete in 20 OSSAA-sanctioned sports. The campus includes state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, dining and the arts. Recent improvements were made possible through the successful completion of the $25 Million We Are BK capital campaign—funded entirely through private donors, not tuition dollars.
