Brett Davisson

ADAMS TWP — Brett Davisson knows that most people have a passion.

He also knows that one person’s area of expertise can be someone else’s Achilles heel.

In hopes of bridging that gap and helping students succeed, Davisson has helped create studygoat.com, an online tutoring service for middle school, high school and college students.

A 2013 Mars High School graduate, Davisson studied economics and finance at the University of Pittsburgh, finishing his degree a year early. During his three years at Pitt, he spent time tutoring as a way to earn money. However, the experience left something to be desired, he said.

“I remember thinking back then, I’m having to get on a bus and travel through the snow and rain to meet people in the library,” he said. “This allows us to bring that tutoring interaction home and get more of that time back.”

That time is more valuable than ever, and Davisson hopes the service will allow for students to become more involved in other ventures.

“Students are working side jobs, playing sports, going to school, in plays and clubs, so there’s little time available,” he said.

Visitors to Study Goat can browse by topic, and begin reviewing available tutors. All tutors are current college students or college graduates, and Davisson said they are thoroughly vetted.

Davisson, who also continues to tutor through the site, said in addition to finding knowledgeable tutors who are passionate and well-versed in a specific topic, they must also be personable.

“To overcome the online barrier, you need a human element that makes people feel comfortable,” he said. “Getting on Skype with someone you don’t know can be awkward. ... We need really cool people who are passionate and are going to make everyone feel comfortable.”

Once a tutor is selected, the client will exchange messages and outline a project.

Tutors are paid by the hour, and can communicate by Skype, email or other forms of messaging. The site offers any number of classroom topics, with a goal of adding other services in the future, such as interview preparation. They could also add SAT and ACT exam preparation help.

“Right now, the focus is to work hard and take the last two months of the school year, get data and feedback ... and in the fall, blow it up huge,” Davisson said.

A soft launch of the service was expected earlier this month, with 600 beta users ready to try the service. Davisson said he recently secured an investment that will allow for further development in the future that will be based on the initial data.

More information can be found at studygoat.com.