Blog

Perspectives – Why Math AND Reading Are Critical for Future Success

By Jim Wambach
March 17, 2025

Building Early Confidence and a Love for Numbers is Essential.

Your support of free math tutoring for children in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods will have a significant impact on their long-term earnings throughout life. You are helping children break free from the cycle of poverty.

A recent study from the Urban Institute underscores the significant impact of early math skills on an individual’s long-term earnings. Reading is a critical academic skill to acquire. However, as reported in an article by The 74, “Math achievement in adolescence is more strongly associated with future earnings than reading achievement or other factors like behavior and social skills.” This underscores why we must consider achieving math fluency and literacy with a similar sense of urgency and priority for our elementary school children.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

At Children Rising, we recognize that math and reading are crucial building blocks for lifelong success. Unfortunately, 70% of the children in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods are two or more grade levels behind in their understanding of basic math and numbers. This is particularly true for Black and Latino students, who suffer from systemic educational inequities. Without intervention, these children continue to see themselves as incapable of understanding math. Most will give up on math and are far more likely to struggle in middle school and beyond, substantially limiting their academic and life opportunities.

“I think we’ve taken math identity and agency away from kids, and just squashed the love that you find in 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds when they’re exploring numbers. Kids just really get turned off of mathematics, so I think we’re fighting that right now.” – DeAnn Huinker, professor of math instruction at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Too often, children and adults believe they are “not good at math.” Sadly, in many cases, the children have lost their natural love and curiosity for numbers. Math is a skill that can be learned and developed by EVERYONE with the proper support. That’s why our Path2Math program provides free math tutoring for second and third-graders in Oakland, helping students develop foundational math skills and critical reasoning abilities. Equally important, our tutors build caring relationships that foster confidence and resilience in young learners. And we make math fun for the kids!

Path2Math provides free math tutoring for second and third-graders in Oakland, helping students develop foundational math skills and critical reasoning abilities.

If we want to break the cycle of poverty, we must start by overcoming the educational inequity in our community schools. By providing children with free, one-on-one math intervention, we can help them build a solid foundation for future success in middle school, high school, and beyond. Community volunteers play a powerful role in this effort—anyone can be a fantastic math tutor with the right training and desire to empower a child’s ability to learn and succeed.

Tutor a child! Yes, I can help a child learn reading and math!

 I want to tutor a child in reading or math!

I want to fund Children Rising tutoring programs!

Math Tutoring For Kids Unlocks Potential, One Child at a Time

By Eric Steckel
March 10, 2025

Thanks to Your Support and His Tutor Lisa, Xander Turned Fidgeting Into Confidence

Path2Math tutoring encourages a love for numbers in struggling young learners. Your support helps the children learn what is needed to become confident, engaged students.

Think back to second grade. Do you remember a classmate who was always moving, always talking, always fidgeting? I do—because I was that kid. My teacher once told my parents, “Whenever there’s a disruption in class, Eric may not have started it, but he’s always there.” I was tagged as disruptive.

That’s why Xander’s story resonates with me. A bright and energetic third grader, Xander started the year 1 1/2 grade levels behind in math.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

A Teaching Approach That Matches Zain’s Energy.

Sitting still is a challenge, but thanks to his dedicated Path2Math tutor, Lisa Haut, and a lot of hard (but fun) work, he is making incredible strides. In just a few months, he has already gained a full year’s progress.

Children like Xander are often labeled as “unfocused” or “difficult to teach.” But with the right support, they thrive. Lisa recognizes that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. She taps into Xander’s energy by incorporating movement, hands-on activities, and encouragement tailored just for him. “The connection is unbelievably powerful,” Lisa shares. “I want them to feel good about themselves. That’s the foundation for learning.”

“When you work with second and third-graders, it’s amazing because they’re like sponges. They come in, and they enjoy this, and it makes us walk away feeling really happy.”

Lisa recalls a moment when Xander discovered the power of checking his own work. She showed him how to verify subtraction by adding the answer back to one of the original numbers. When he realized he could confirm his own answers, his enthusiasm was undeniable. “He gets really excited when he can check his own work,” Lisa says. “It gives him confidence, and that’s huge.”

Your support of one-on-one math tutoring for kids helped Xander channel his energy and thrive in math.

While Xander is quick with numbers—multiplication comes naturally to him—word problems present a challenge. Translating a simple story into an equation doesn’t click as easily. But Lisa is working with him to bridge that gap, providing extra practice and new ways to engage with problems. Step by step, his confidence is growing.

For kids like Xander, a tutor isn’t just a teacher—she’s an advocate, a motivator, a guide. Your support of Path2Math ensures that more children can receive the one-on-one attention they need to reach their full potential.

Will you help unlock the potential of a child like Xander?

Your gift today provides the one-on-one tutoring that changes lives.

Tutor a child! Yes, I can help a child learn reading and math!

 I want to tutor a child in reading or math!

I want to fund Children Rising tutoring programs!

* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.

Thank YOU for another uplifting year!

By Sophia Wambach
June 20, 2024

Volunteers are the heart of Children Rising!

Your dedication and support have been instrumental in helping children overcome learning challenges and rise to their God-given potential.

You have played such a critical role in another amazing year of one-on-one tutoring. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for each of you. We have had the privilege of witnessing countless children blossom, making remarkable strides in their reading and math skills. Your unwavering dedication and compassionate support have been the foundation of their success, helping them overcome the challenges they face at such a tender age. You have been alongside them in their journey. Thank you for making a difference in their lives.

This past school year Children Rising had 181 tutors support children in their learning. Wow! That breaks down to 102 reading tutors, 56 math tutors, and 23 homework tutors. What a testament to the community supporting our neighborhood schools.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

In Succeeding by Reading, you have empowered many eager second-graders who came to us reading at a TK level and are now reading close to grade level. While they still have work to do, confidence and hope spring forth. Most of the third-graders in Succeeding by Reading advanced and are prepared for the rigors of fourth- and fifth-grade schoolwork. Your role in this transformation is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

“Our volunteer tutors are Children Rising’s ‘superpower!’” exclaimed Rebecca Buckley, Succeeding by Reading program director. “It is an honor and a joy to support your work with students as they build the skills they need to become fluent readers. Your dedication to these kids gives them the encouragement they need to thrive. Thank you!”

Likewise, children in Path2Math experienced fantastic growth in their functional numeracy skills and critical reasoning ability. Your nurturing guidance enabled eager young students to learn math skills for life. In addition, you have provided them the hope and confidence to succeed in school, and in life.

Your time and passion is what makes Children Rising special and effective. You are uplifting the City of Oakland, one precious child at a time, and one nurturing tutoring session at a time.

“Volunteer tutors truly are the heart of all that we do at Children Rising. Your dedication, love, and support instill confidence and hope in the kiddos. Thank you for all that you did for the children,” shared Margena Wade-Green, Path2Math program director.

This past year, FamilyBridge embarked on a journey of helping students after school through homework tutoring and foundational learning support. Most parents and caregivers struggle to find the time to help their children with homework or feel incapable of supporting their children due to a language barrier.

“Thank you for your patience and perseverance as we launched this new initiative,” said Tai Dillard, FamilyBridge program director. “I am grateful you answered the call to share your time and talents with Children’s Rising’s newest program, FamilyBridge. More importantly, parents and caregivers thank you for taking the time to help their child advance academically.

Your time and passion is what makes Children Rising special and effective. You are uplifting the City of Oakland, one precious child at a time, and one nurturing tutoring session at a time. Thank you.

Tutor a child! Yes, I can embrace a child in a
circle of care!

 I want to tutor a child in reading or math!

I want to fund Children Rising tutoring programs!

Let’s Celebrate Global Volunteer Month

By Eric Steckel
April 1, 2024

A heartfelt “Thank you” to our amazing tutors!

During Global Volunteer Month, we express gratitude to our volunteers for providing eager children with the one-on-one tutoring they need to thrive.

April is Global Volunteer Month. We are incredibly grateful to all of our amazing volunteers. Your stories demonstrate the power we each have to positively impact the community and truly be a force of good here in Oakland and the East Bay.

We express thanks and encouragement to all of our tutors. Each week throughout the school year, you give the best of yourselves. You are the beating heart of Children Rising!

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

You help complete a child’s “Circle of Care.”

More caring adults in the community have volunteered for reading, math, and homework tutoring this year than ever before. This is terrific news!

“In this season of their young lives, you provide (children) with a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life.”

By coming alongside a student’s family and teachers, you nurture them in a circle of care. One-on-one tutors teach, encourage, and motivate children in a unique, caring way. In this season of their young lives, you provide them with a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life. Thank you.

There are hundreds of children still waiting for a tutor.

Many second—and third-grade children in Oakland are still significantly behind grade level. During Global Volunteer Month, please encourage your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you.

Unfortunately, many second—and third-grade children in Oakland are still significantly behind grade level. Only 30% of elementary school children of color achieve grade-level reading and math skills by fourth grade. These kids, their parents, and their teachers need all of us in the community now more than ever before.

As a member of the Children Rising community, please encourage your friends, neighbors, and colleagues to join you. By volunteering their time and sharing their love and encouragement, tutors will enable many more children to rise to their God-given potential in the coming years. Together, we will nurture them in a circle of care.

Thank you to our volunteers for providing eager children with the one-on-one tutoring they need to thrive.

Tutor a child!

Yes, I can embrace a child in a circle of care!

 I want to learn more about reading, math, or homework clinics to see if in-school tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Let’s Go Back to School with Oakland Kids!

By Eric Steckel
August 4, 2023

Come alongside our precious neighborhood children this school year

Children are back to school on Monday after the summer break. Many students suffer from summer learning loss—up to a month of critical learning loss in reading and math.

It’s that time again to send the kiddos back to school. If it seems like back to school has come earlier and earlier here in Oakland, you would be correct.

Ashley McBride of the Oaklandside wrote about Oakland Unified School District’s earlier-than-normal start to school each summer. While it may not be popular with kids and parents, especially when it comes to planning for summer vacations, there are some very good reasons OUSD made the change, which include a schedule that allows students to complete fall work before the winter break, and more time for dual-enrollment students to enroll in classes. Sometimes the popular choice isn’t the best choice!

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

While that may not placate families who just want to enjoy a few more days of summer together, we are excited to get back to tutoring the children. It’s been a busy summer. Teams have been preparing materials; program directors have been working on program enhancements; and children and tutors have been working on reading and math skills so they will return to school ready to learn!

You helped our programs prepare for the upcoming school year so that children can come back to school with wind beneath their wings.

All of this preparation has us eager to roll our sleeves up with you once again.

If you are interested in becoming a tutor this year, there’s never been a better time!

For so many children in Oakland, tutoring is about more than getting good grades—though that’s certainly admirable.

For many children and families, tutoring is about a healthy future, a prosperous community, and public safety. It’s about the opportunity to learn at grade level and grow in their ability to realize their God-given potential.

“For many children and families, tutoring is about a healthy future, a prosperous community, and public safety. It’s about the opportunity to learn at grade level and grow in their ability to realize their God-given potential.”

It’s about the ability of the broader community to proactively improve the future of Oakland, one precious child at a time.

Children Rising has many opportunities for you to support an eager-to-learn child in our community schools.

Succeeding by Reading Tutor

One-on-one time, two hours a week, will empower determined second-grade children to rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all of the tools required for you to succeed each week. You will be paired with a child that accommodates your schedule. Our step-by-step program makes it simple for you to inspire them along their journey to reading. It’s almost certain you will be inspired along the way as you work alongside other volunteers and these amazing children. Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, M-F during school hours.

Path2Math Tutor

For so many children in Oakland, tutoring is about more than getting good grades—tutoring is about a healthy future, a prosperous community, and public safety.

Just two hours of one-on-one time per week during school can empower two aspiring second-grade students to learn basic math concepts, develop critical reasoning skills, and grow in confidence as the world of numbers starts to make sense. There are both in-person and online opportunities. We provide training, support, guidance, and all of the tools required for you to succeed each week. We pair you with each child and offer the most convenient school and time slot to accommodate your schedule. You may find that the time spent with eager students and fellow volunteers is the highlight of your week! Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, M-F during school hours.

FamilyBridge Homework Tutor

Many parents and caregivers struggle to have enough time after work to provide their children with critical homework support at home. You can assist these families by providing one-on-one homework tutoring for the students in our reading and math programs. Homework tutoring is provided during the structured after-school programming that virtually all of the children in our reading and math programs attend. Tutoring opportunities are in-person, after school, at two of our clinic sites. Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, M-Th between the hours of 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

You are invited to join us in going back to school! Come alongside our precious neighborhood children by volunteering or making a financial contribution. Together, we will create a brighter, safer, more prosperous future for the children of Oakland, ensuring they have a fair opportunity to succeed in school … and in life.

Let’s act today and send our kids back to school with wind beneath their wings!

It’s not too late for YOU to be a tutor. Volunteer today, and you will give a child the one-on-one care they need to rise to their God-given potential.

Yes, I can empower a child to become a lifelong learner.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if in-school tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Tutors Needed: You Can Empower a Child to Become a Lifelong Learner

By Eric Steckel
May 30, 2023

One-on-one tutoring provides children a fairer chance to succeed in school!

Tutors needed: Programs like Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math provide opportunities for community members to step in, be part of this leading-edge solution, and support student recovery.

“Tutors needed!” is the refrain we keep hearing from our partner schools.

As the year comes to an end, Children Rising is already preparing one-on-one tutoring and family support programs for the 2023-24 year. So many elementary school children made dramatic advancements in reading and math last year, and we are so proud of their determination and effort. Next year, we want to support many more eager young learners!

The message is simple: Tutors needed!

We invite the entire Bay Area community to participate in our Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math one-on-one tutoring programs.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

A call for tutors this year!

Nationwide, students continue to suffer from unprecedented levels of unfinished learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, children are two to four months behind in reading and math. Closer to home, over 70% of the second-graders in Oakland Unified School District schools we serve are two or more grade levels behind in reading or math.

“Every young child deserves a fair chance to succeed in school…and in life. Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring and family support, we empower children to become lifelong learners.”

We need more trained tutors to provide more instances of tutoring in the coming years to overcome the lost learning time our children experienced. These are two hallmarks of high-dosage tutoring, one of the leading solutions to overcoming significant unfinished learning.

Reading and math tutors are needed this year, now more than ever before. Please consider stepping forward. You can empower an eager child to succeed in school … and in life!

There’s good news and bad news.

The bad? The need is greater than ever. Last year, Children Rising had to turn away eager students from our programs because we did not have a tutor when they needed one most.

The good? It’s a solvable problem, and YOU can be part of that solution.

To meet the needs of the Oakland elementary schools we serve:

• Path2Math needs at least 80 more tutors.
• Succeeding by Reading needs another 80 tutors.

Children Rising’s volunteer tutoring programs Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math provide opportunities for community members to step in, be part of these evidenced-based programs, and support student recovery.

Better yet, Children Rising provides the training, materials, and on-site support for tutors to be successful from day one.

Each of you can help

It’s an extraordinary time, and your help in spreading the word and generating community interest to get involved can make a huge difference this year for many children. Here’s how you can help:

• 

  Smiling faces. Tutors needed.

  Become a tutor. Now is the time to step forward to nurture and empower a struggling child in school! Learn more today.

• Spread the word. If you know of anyone who may be interested in tutoring an amazing young learner, please share this with them.
• Learn more about Children Rising tutoring opportunities. If you are on the fence, this may be your tipping point!

The programs are ready. Our comprehensive tutor training and on-site support ensure that tutors are ready to empower an eager child to become a lifelong learner.

Yes, I can empower a child to become a lifelong learner.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if in-school tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Alayna Is Excelling In Math Thanks To You

By Eric Steckel
May 3, 2023

In-school Tutoring + At-home Support = Success In School … and Life

Your gifts provided Alayna with critical at-home learning and one-on-one in-school tutoring, enabling her to get back to grade level in math.

Alayna struggled with third-grade math. Her father, David Guillory, was surprised to learn this year that his eager, energetic, precocious daughter was below grade level.

Fortunately for Alayna, critical at-home learning and one-on-one in-school tutoring provided a continuum of support that closed the loop in her education.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

One-on-one support at home and in school is critical

Alayna was referred to Path2Math by her teacher and paired with Audrey Amos, a retired elementary school principal who volunteers as a tutor. Miss Audrey found that Alayna did well once they established a one-on-one connection, and she picked up things quickly.

“Having a tutor that can sit down and spend that 45 minutes to an hour one-on-one with a student is immeasurable. It can just change a child’s life,” Audrey explained.

Alayna’s father was engaged and working with her at home. Knowing that he was involved and wanted her to do well in her education made a difference.

David was eager to participate in FamilyBridge at the beginning of the year. Tai Dillard, FamilyBridge program director, is in regular contact, keeping him informed of Alayna’s progress and how he can best support her learning in-home. The open line of communication is beneficial.

“Having a tutor that can sit down and spend that 45 minutes to an hour one-on-one with a student is immeasurable.”

Audrey highlighted the critical importance of the at-home connection through FamilyBridge. “Alayna’s father is engaged and working with her at home. Just knowing he was involved and wanted her to do well in her education made a difference.”

One-on-one in-school tutoring and at-home support from parents came at a critical time in Alayna’s learning and accelerated her academic progress. “Kids are so behind academically because of COVID…especially kids of color. This is the time when we need to step in to give them some extra help to catch up.”

Your gifts ensured families like David and Alayna received the critical support they needed.

Yes, I can empower a child to become a lifelong learner.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if in-school tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.

Devonte Is Excelling In Math and Counting His Pennies

By Eric Steckel
January 31, 2023

Your Support Empowers Him to Succeed with Path2Math and FamilyBridge

FamilyBridge helps connect parents and caregivers with their child’s tutor. Mr. Carl was able to help Devonte learn to count money—and excel in math—when the boy’s mother shared her concern with him.

As a mother, Lashanna was worried when she saw her son Devonte* struggling with math and reading during the COVID pandemic. Desperate for a solution, she enrolled Devonte in Path2Math. Through your support, Devonte has made incredible progress by working with his one-on-one tutor, Mr. Carl, over the past few months.

“He’s got a really positive attitude, he focuses well, and he’s open to learning and trying new things,” Mr. Carl shared, expressing his admiration for Devonte’s determination and growth.

Thanks to your gift, Lashanna has seen firsthand the transformative power of a caring tutor.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

Her family’s journey doesn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of a supportive community, she also enrolled in FamilyBridge, a program designed to provide parents with the skills, confidence, and tools needed to accelerate their child’s learning.

“I had other children struggle in school…I wish I had known about FamilyBridge a long time ago.”—Lashanna, Devonte’s mother,

“It’s motivation,” Lashanna said. “If you feel like, ‘He’s not getting it,’ and you start doubting yourself, that’s where FamilyBridge comes in.”

Your support of Path2Math means Devonte receives one-on-one tutoring and care from Mr. Carl.

Through FamilyBridge, Lashanna connected with Path2Math clinic coordinators and Mr. Carl. A few weeks ago, when Devonte struggled to count change at a store, Mr. Carl was able to bring in actual money for him to handle and work with during their next session. “Devonte caught on to that very quickly,” Carl said, illustrating the success of the program.

For Lashanna, the impact of Path2Math and FamilyBridge has been immeasurable. “I had other children struggle in school, and I said, ‘I wish I had known about FamilyBridge a long time ago,’” she shared.

Thanks to your gifts, FamilyBridge will provide vital support and resources to Lashanna, empowering her to help Devonte excel in math.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Perspectives — You Can Become a Fantastic Tutor Too!

By Jim Wambach
January 26, 2023

Volunteer Today and You Will Uplift An Eager-to-learn Child

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”—Dr. Seuss

Thank you, Children Rising tutors! You care an awful lot!

Your gifts enable tutors and children to work together, side by side, so that they may rise to their God-given potential.

This year, it became clear the COVID pandemic has devastatingly stalled and eroded children’s academic skills. The children most impacted—elementary school children of color—are the very children Children Rising serves!

Many did not finish their first year of kindergarten due to COVID. Those children are now third-graders who are as much as three grade levels behind in their reading and math skills. Others were in second grade when COVID hit. They are now fifth-graders who are also as much as three grade levels behind in their reading and math. What makes it worse is they will be transitioning to middle school next year as some of the most poorly prepared students ever to do so.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

They are all smart, eager-to-learn kids who have become greatly discouraged and lost confidence in their abilities. However, they all thrive on focused attention and a little TLC.

You’ll smile and do a fist bump when you see your eager student learn reading and math skills. Become a tutor today!

Become a tutor

One caring adult can make a difference in a child’s life by providing one-on-one math or reading tutoring for a young girl or boy—and caring enough to show up every week. It’s like pouring water on a wilted flower—the flower quickly rises up to face the sun of hope.

So far this year, 83 additional community members have become Children Rising math and reading tutors. They joined with 80 other community members who were already Children Rising tutors. Together they are selflessly pouring their attention onto 300 children who will now have a more fair chance of reclaiming hope and rising to their God-given potential.

Thank you to all Children Rising volunteers. You are special and make an essential difference in our children’s lives here in Oakland!

It’s not too late for YOU to become a tutor. Volunteer today, and you will give a child the one-on-one care they need to rise to their God-given potential.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Perspectives — What goes into tutoring a child? (Spoiler: A lot)

By Jim Wambach
December 26, 2022

But Children Rising makes it simple and full of love

In 2022, your support meant that over 250 eager young children received crucial, timely academic support from caring members of the Children Rising community.

In 2022, over 250 eager young children received crucial, timely academic support from caring members of the Children Rising community. Children struggling in reading and math were able to rise above the challenges they faced in school to reach their God-given potential.

Thank you for taking a child by the hand this year!

Because of you, each child receives so much care and support. “How much?” you may ask.

Quite a lot! Let’s break down the numbers in our Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math one-on-one tutoring programs.

• 24 weeks for an eager child to get back to grade-level reading and math!
• 6.5 hours per child for community outreach, tutor recruitment, and onboarding.
• 3.5 hours per child of tutor training.
• 3 hours per child of clinic planning and curriculum development.
• 52 hours per child of weekly one-on-one tutoring, student monitoring, and reporting.
• 65 total hours of care poured into each child throughout the academic year!
• Countless hours of love, compassion, joy, and pride shared by child and tutor alike!

When you multiply these hours by 250 children, that comes to an extraordinary 16,250 total hours of nurturing care for children in the programs you support! Just looking at these numbers, the Children Rising community enablement model could be described as a “well-oiled machine.”

Love is what fuels the progress the children make each year. And that’s why we are so good at uplifting children in your community.

However, machines don’t share love, compassion, joy, and pride!

And that’s why we are so good at uplifting children in your community. Love is what fuels the progress the children make each year.

But our work is far from over!

The children in your community schools need you more than ever before. Many more children are desperate for a caring, one-on-one tutor, so they, too, may rise to their God-given potential.

Will you make a special year-end gift to be a caring hand for a child?

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

With your continued support, we will enable so many eager children to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and in life.

Thank you for being a part of the amazing Children Rising family.

If you are interested in volunteering, or making a financial gift, learn more about opportunities with Children Rising.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Meet Jeyla, Who You Helped Thrive In Math

By Eric Steckel
October 21, 2022

Your Support Meant She, Mr. Gabe, & Her Family Worked on Math Together

Your gifts meant Jeyla, Mr. Gabe, and her family could work on math together this Summer. Accelerated child learning flourishes when family, school, and tutors are on the same page.

It all started with determination. “When I am bored, I like to do math or pretend I am in school,” Jeyla said.

The ability to learn processes, and the determination to master them, served her well during the COVID pandemic. However, when Jeyla’s family heard she was struggling with math after returning to the classroom, they enrolled her in the Path2Math summer learning program.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

“Jeyla enjoys working on her own. A little bit of one-on-one help goes a long way in answering her ‘process questions,’ ” her Aunt Moesha explained. “Once she’s into the math routine and doing it all the time, she’s ‘lights out,’ so it was terrific for her to do Path2Math during the summer.”

“A little bit of one-on-one help goes a long way…Once she’s into the math routine and doing it all the time, she’s ‘lights out.’” – Moesha, Jeyla’s Aunt

Family engagement was beneficial. “We’ve been able to go into orientations, ask questions, and get tips and help. We’ve watched her one-on-one tutoring and helped her out after the session. It’s been good.” They encourage Jeyla to use the IXL learning platform outside her tutoring sessions. “Although the sessions are over for the summer, she’s been able to go in there and practice math regularly. It’s helpful to have the tools she needs.”

Your support meant Jeyla, Mr. Gabe, and her family worked on math together. Accelerated learning happens when the family, school, and tuto are on the same page.

They believe that one-on-one tutoring makes a big difference. “It’s innate for kids to listen to certain people over others. It just seems like somebody who can be on the outside and look at her as a student and not as family, and can grasp and home in on this one section of her learning is more beneficial to her overall learning.” Moesha explained.

Jeyla benefits from this holistic approach, where family, school, and tutors are on the same page.

Your gifts will ensure Jeyla receives the support she needs.

If you are interested in tutoring an eager child, learn more about opportunities with Children Rising.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.

Cisco Foundation Donates $75,000 to Enhance Path2Math Tutoring Program

By Eric Steckel
July 7, 2022

Community Impact Grant Empowers Children Struggling With Elementary Math

Children Rising is pleased to be the recipient of a generous grant from Cisco Foundation’s San Francisco Bay Area Community Impact Grant Program. The $75,000 award marks the third consecutive year Cisco has supported Children Rising’s Path2Math program, addressing low childhood numeracy in under-resourced, Title 1 elementary schools in Oakland.

Cisco’s support of Path2Math helps eager young children overcome unfinished learning, and decades of educational inequity.

Addressing Educational Inequity in the East Bay

Educational inequity is a social injustice impacting children living in low-income neighborhoods throughout the East Bay. Many elementary school children, primarily Black and Latino, have not benefited from individual attention in their early years that many other children commonly receive, either in school or at home. These children struggled to perform at grade level before the pandemic, with a disproportionate number dropping out of school.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the learning discrepancies of these children even further compared to their peers living in more affluent neighborhoods. At the beginning of the current school year, OUSD I-Ready testing scores indicated that 72% of second-graders and 74% of third-graders attending Title 1 schools began the year at least two grade levels behind in their numeracy abilities.

In the coming years we, as a community, must act quickly to provide additional support for these children. Otherwise, they will continue to lag far behind in foundational reading and math skills, and we will experience a tremendous rise in the failure rate for thousands of children in our local neighborhoods.

Grant Supports High-dosage Tutoring and Family Empowerment

The Cisco Foundation’s Bay Area Community Impact Grant program’s mission is to close the education achievement gap for low-income kindergarten through fifth-grade students in the Bay Area.

“Students falling behind in grades K-5 potentially face limits on their access to higher education and career opportunities, especially in STEM subjects and fields. The achievement gap begins at an early age and, unfortunately, follows many of these students throughout their educational and career journey.”

Through the grant, Children Rising will enhance Path2Math programming to provide higher dosage levels of tutoring to each child in the program while enabling parents and guardians to provide more confident and enhanced academic support at home.

Your gifts strengthen the team supporting these amazing children so that many more will become active, confident learners and thrive in school.

We believe the result of this enhanced learning approach will allow young elementary school students to prepare for more advanced learning in fifth grade, middle school, and beyond, giving them a much more equitable chance of success throughout their school years.

By strengthening the team supporting these amazing children of Oakland—parents, teachers, and tutors—many more children will become active, confident learners and thrive in school instead of dropping out.

Thanks to the Cisco Foundation. We are grateful to once again be part of the San Francisco Bay Area Community Impact Grant Program, and to work together to empower children and families in our community.

YES, I CAN empower a child to build bridges to a better future!

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Maliha Gains Confidence, Excels in Math

By Eric Steckel
June 30, 2022

You Made Math “Easy” For an Eager Child

Maliha* was low on confidence in reading and math. And confidence makes such a difference in a child’s ability to learn difficult math concepts. It is also something that can be difficult to recover once it is lost.

Maliha lacked confidence and struggled with math. Thanks to dedicated work with Mr. Jim, “math is easy.”

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

Like 60% of elementary school children in California, Maliha was significantly behind grade level in math. It is a problem that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Second- and third-grade students came back to full-time, in-person classrooms all over the curve in terms of what they had learned. It is difficult to create a lesson plan that engages and instructs children at different levels. Factor in the added strain of learning through the peaks and valleys of an ongoing global pandemic, and it’s easy to see how students and teachers have struggled this year.

“Children Rising has been able to provide the one-on-one support in math and reading our students and teachers desperately needed.“– Roma Groves-Waters, Principal, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary

Roma Groves-Waters, Principal at Maliha’s school, agrees. “Our teachers are challenged this year more than ever before. Children Rising has been able to provide the one-on-one support in math and reading our students and teachers desperately needed.“

Confidence Is Important to Child Learning

When Maliha joined Path2Math in October, she was eager to learn and made an instant connection with Mr. Jim, her tutor. The first thing they worked on was building up the young girl’s confidence.

Your support of one-on-one tutoring helps children like Maliha find a safe space to learn. Student connections are key to a child’s progress.

“Making student connections to learning is key to student progress,” said Mrs. Groves-Waters.

Confident and happy, Maliha had found her safe space. She worked hard each week and was encouraged to express herself. Before long, what had been so difficult became “easy.”

“Math is easy because you’ve been working so hard,” Mr. Jim explained to the young girl. “You’ve been focused and putting your studies first.”

Maliha will continue with online tutoring during the Summer. With focus and hard work, she will reach grade level in math.

It costs just $500 to empower an eager child with comprehension and confidence in math for an entire school year. Thank you!

YES, I CAN empower a child to build bridges to a better future!

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names and use stock photography when needed to protect student privacy.

3 Ways Volunteer Tutors are the Beating Heart of Children Rising

By Eric Steckel
April 22, 2022

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” – Elizabeth Andrew

This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week. As an organization, volunteer tutors and mentors are the beating heart of all that we do for children and youth in our community. For over 20 years we have provided opportunities for loving, caring individuals to come alongside eager young students, empowering them to rise to their God-given potential.

Volunteer tutors foster relationships that spark learning so essential to a child’s growth and development in school and in life.

“They embrace and share our mission and vision, creating a spark in our community—a beacon of light and hope.”

It would be difficult to overstate the importance of volunteers to our work. Here are three ways they are uplifting our community.

1. Loving, caring, one-on-one relationships – Volunteers come to Children Rising with a desire to make a difference in the life of a child. The children feel that love and care. Over time, deep relationships develop. Those relationships spark learning that is so essential to their growth and development in school and in life.
2. Really good at what they do – Children Rising volunteers are trained and supported so that they can be effective immediately. No experience is necessary, but by the time they meet the children they will tutor, they are prepared to step in and be part of the team that nurtures and empowers these amazing kids.
3. A beacon of light and hope – Our volunteers are not a boastful bunch, but without a doubt, they shine a light for others to see. Most of them recruit others—family, friends, or loved ones—to join them. They embrace and share our mission and vision, creating a spark in our community—a beacon of light and hope. Their caring actions inspire and uplift others.

Will you complete HER Circle of Care?

Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.

Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today!

Children Rising volunteers are trained and supported so that they are prepared to step in and be part of the team that nurtures and empowers these amazing kids.

Of course, the benefit of volunteering is a two-way street. Almost every volunteer we speak to shares a similar sentiment—their lives are enriched by the relationships they develop. By going outside of their comfort zone, they develop a new vocation that, as Wendell Berry wrote, is a calling “by God, or by our gifts, or by our preference, to a kind of good work for which we are particularly fitted.” When they find that fit, it’s heartwarming for all.

Fittingly, National Volunteer Week concludes on Earth Day 2022. Millions of Americans will join hands outside with neighborhood clean-ups of streets, sidewalks, schools, parks, and along creeks and other waterways. There is power in community volunteerism. What truly powers Children Rising is a spirit of community volunteerism that is a beacon of hope not just once a year, but throughout the entire year.

If you are interested in volunteering, learn more about opportunities with Children Rising.

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Nyjah and His Online Math Tutor Work Late To Improve Numeracy Skills

By Eric Steckel
March 30, 2022

Flexibility Helps Busy Family Find Time for Online Math Tutoring

Online math tutoring offers families flexibility in scheduling times that fit their life. Your support of online tutoring will help Nyjah get back to grade level.

Nyjah’s* house is full! His mother, Tabetha, is constantly on the go, taking Nyjah and his six brothers and stepbrothers to and from school and after-school care while working full time. It’s the life of a working mother.

Nyjah is an active second-grader who loves football and basketball. Math is one of his favorite subjects. As with many children, Nyjah’s ability to learn foundational math skills has been severely impacted by COVID-19 constraints. He has fallen behind grade-level standards and struggled to catch up.

Nyjah’s teachers enrolled him in Path2Math for one-on-one online math tutoring this past fall. He was scheduled to meet with his tutor Robert Glickstein at 6:00 pm on Wednesdays. However, it was difficult for Tabetha to make that appointment each week.

“I am inside working all day, and Nyjah doesn’t get out of after-school care until 6:00 pm. With all the kids, I can’t get Nyjah on the Zoom tutoring session until 6:30 pm,” she explained.

Margena Wade-Green, Path2Math Program Director, wanted to find a way for Nyjah to remain in the program and catch up to grade level. She asked Mr. Robert if he would be willing to start his tutoring lesson at 6:30 pm instead.

“I really wanted to be flexible for Nyjah’s family,” Robert shared. “And they have responded. His mom is always there to get him set up, and he’s raring to go.”

“He looks forward to tutoring. To get home from school at the end of the day and want to join a tutoring session, and to be enthused, is amazing.”—Tabetha, Nyjah’s mother.

Nyjah and Mr. Robert have “…established a relationship. There’s comfort. Nyjah feels OK saying, ‘I don’t know that.’”

The modified schedule is working well for both of them. “We’ve gotten through several areas where he’s aced every section and moved up a level,” Robert said. “In particular, he has made great progress in geometry and understanding fractions.”

The one-on-one relationship between Nyjah and Robert is rewarding to both of them. “It is one piece of a larger puzzle to get these kids back to grade level. It’s individual, and that makes a big difference.”

Nyjah’s mother agrees. “He looks forward to tutoring. To get home from school at the end of the day and want to join a tutoring session, and to be enthused, is amazing. He and Mr. Robert established a relationship. There’s comfort. Nyjah feels OK saying, ‘I don’t know that.’”

She also sees progress. “Nyjah’s more focused, getting his work done correctly. He is reading more. In math, he’s applying what he’s learned in tutoring. That’s where the progress is,” she reports.

Nyjah receives the nurturing, caring support he needs to succeed in school despite a full house and hectic schedules.

An hour a week can make all the difference for a child struggling in math. Your support of online math tutoring will help Nyjah get back to grade level.

YES, I CAN empower a child to build bridges to a better future!

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

* Names changed to protect the identity of the students

Perspectives — As the Children Rising Community Grows, Our Children and Youth Pay it Forward

By Jim Wambach
February 3, 2022

“If you send out goodness from yourself, or if you share that which is happy or good within you, it will all come back to you multiplied ten thousand times.” – John O’Donohue

I’ve often spoken about how wonderful the Children Rising community is—and it is indeed remarkable—but I’ve never really defined it. The Children Rising community is composed of volunteers, local educators, faith communities, service organizations, local businesses, and financial supporters, all working together and committed to improving the lives of the children and youth in Oakland.

Now, after 20 years of this community investing in the children and youth, those children and youth are becoming active members of this special community themselves—more and more each year. Grateful for the love and care poured into them over the years, many are passionate about giving back and “paying it forward” to the next generation. Many are experiencing the satisfaction of temporarily putting aside their own challenges to invest their personal time to serve others, realizing they have their own special gifts that they can offer to someone else. The articles in this newsletter provide a glimpse of this very special dynamic. We are watching how the city can heal itself when given a chance to do so.

The Children Rising community—volunteers, local educators, faith communities, service organizations, local businesses, and financial supporters— are working together and committed to improving the lives of the children and youth in Oakland.

We believe there is something extraordinary about Oakland—this city where God has placed us to serve. We are proud of its vibrant history, cultural significance and achievements, and the tenacity of our diverse people to not just survive but thrive. From lifelong residents to newcomers, the people of this city hunger for a future of equal opportunity and prosperity.

We believe in this city and will continue to work with all individuals, organizations, and institutions in this community to fight for our children’s futures so that Oakland might become a beacon of hope and light for the rest of the nation. This is not something that happens overnight, but each piece of “goodness” we send out keeps that beacon alight and shining brighter than ever. As we start a new year, one which is still challenged by COVID and the many inequities caused by years of social injustices, we see a reason for much hope.

Thank you to the Children Rising community for what you do and the way you do it. You have made a difference in thousands of lives over the years, and I believe we are all just getting started.

For the children,

YES, I CAN empower a child to build bridges to a better future!

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

CareerBridge Interns Support Path2Math Program

By Eric Steckel
January 20, 2022

Enthusiasm and Compassion Fuels Summer Learning

You are empowering youth like Leticia to respond to the needs of the community by providing them opportunities to come alongside children struggling in math and reading.

When Randy Roth founded Children Rising in 2001, his vision was “to prepare today’s youth for a life of serving others and contributing positively to their communities.” This year, we watched that vision spring to life in a profound and touching way.

Last spring, as COVID continued to disrupt classrooms, Path2Math launched online tutoring with a limited number of tutors. It was a daunting challenge, but the need was great. Testing revealed an exceedingly high number of second-grade students experienced significant COVID-related learning loss. Many were at a kindergarten level in math. More than ever before, children needed continued tutoring throughout the summer to have any hope of catching up to grade level. At the same time, our CareerBridge students were eager to begin summer internships despite a scarcity of opportunities.

As the director of both programs, Margena Wade-Green saw a chance to harness youthful enthusiasm and provide online tutoring to eager children. She created a unique internship for CareerBridge students to support the fledgling Path2Math online program. The interns tutored second-graders in math, helped troubleshoot technical issues with the online platform, and hosted a Math Club game room where students watched fun math videos and singalongs, socialized, and worked on their assignments before and after tutoring sessions.

“Realizing that I can make a difference was really nice…If this helps even a few students then that’s good.”

Leticia, a senior who has been with CareerBridge since her freshman year, was grateful for the Path2Math internship. “It expanded my worldview…it gave me a sense of working and the many different opportunities out there.”

Children in our local schools are overcoming COVID-related learning loss thanks to the compassion and support of the community. Your gifts ensure they reach their God-given potential.

She took her responsibilities very seriously. “It was upsetting to hear that so many kids were falling behind in math during COVID because it is a difficult subject and there was a shortage of support programs.”

It opened her eyes to opportunities to give back. “It was my first time tutoring…and you could see they were really having fun singing and dancing and smiling. Realizing that I can make a difference was really nice. I experienced working and directly helping someone learn math. If this helps even a few students then that’s good.”

Sabine, a junior who has also been with CareerBridge since her freshman year, found the experience to be extremely meaningful. “As someone who enjoys working with kids and is passionate about education issues in the school system, I felt like I really made an impact when engaging with the children,” she said. “I always looked forward to the students I would get to see once a week and work on math with because those were very special connections to me.”

There is no higher calling than to serve others. By creating genuine connections with the children they tutored, CareerBridge interns fulfilled Randy’s vision. We look forward to seeing how they continue to find opportunities to uplift their community, one precious child at a time.

You can become a tutor today. Give an eager child the boost they need to reach their God-given potential.

YES, I CAN empower a child to build bridges to a better future!

 I want to learn more about online reading or math clinics to see if tutoring is right for me!

I want to help fund Children Rising tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year!

Shy and Reserved Child Learns Vital Math Skills

By Eric Steckel
July 14, 2020

For many students, a trip up to the blackboard is a fate worse than death. For shy and reserved Jocelyn*, speaking English as a second language compounded matters. Even when she felt she knew the answer, she did not know how to articulate her thoughts or explain how she came to an answer.

Jocelyn was quiet and reserved, and far behind her class in math. Your gift made it possible for Jocelyn to get back to grade level in math.

“She was just really behind in both math and reading,” explained her teacher, Ms. Danielle Kerr. “And she was so quiet – no behavior problems – and sometimes students like that just get overlooked in a crowded classroom.”

Jocelyn was referred to Children Rising’s Path2Math interventional tutoring program and paired with Lynn Nelson, a first-year tutor who felt anxiety herself about her role.

“She was just really behind in both math and reading, and she was so quiet…sometimes students like that just get overlooked in a crowded classroom.” — Danielle Kerr

“The first time I walked in and I met her, I thought, ‘What am I doing here? Am I capable of doing this? Will she like me?’ ” Lynn confessed. “But Jocelyn seemed very comfortable from the beginning, apart from the shyness. I think she’s used to having teachers and having people help her.”

Despite their mutual anxiety, the two bonded immediately. Lynn empathized with the shy little girl who didn’t want to go to the blackboard. Rather than making Jocelyn go to the blackboard, Lynn would have her do the problem on a dry erase board at her seat. “I’d nod and smile when she had come up with the right solution,” she explained.

Although Jocelyn was still counting on her fingers, Lynn observed something that helped make math fun. “I saw that she loved to draw. I was able to integrate math with her drawing. Instead of doing numbers, I’d have her ‘Draw me four hearts’ or that sort of thing. I think she could relate to those drawings more than just the number four, and she enjoyed drawing.”

“That was really fun to see her blossom to the point where she was very excited about raising her hand and wanting to go up to the board and be outwardly involved with her math.” — Lynn Nelson

Lynn’s unique approach worked, and Jocelyn enjoyed their sessions together. “I think she could feel that I was very happy to be there and to be helping her. I think she just enjoyed doing it after a while.”

Over time, Jocelyn began to raise her hand when she thought she had the right answer, and even dared to go to the blackboard. “She began to get a little more confident in what she knew and that she was doing it right. That was really fun to see her blossom to the point where she was very excited about raising her hand and wanting to go up to the board and be outwardly involved with her math.”

Now in third grade, Jocelyn is confident in her math skills.

In the classroom, Jocelyn became more active as well. Now she “has more confidence, talks all the time, and has friends.” Ms. Kerr said.

Jocelyn has recently completed third grade. When we caught up with her, (pre-COVID-19) Path2Math program manager Michelle Hutcherson observed Jocelyn’s math skills. “Lynn helped Jocelyn break out of her shyness and quiet, and become confident, happy to be learning math. I believe Jocelyn could even teach another child!”

Ms. Kerr and Lynn both feel that the one-on-one relationship had a big part to play in Jocelyn’s progress. “I wish I could give it to all of my students,” Ms. Kerr said. “Our class sizes are so big and they just need more individual attention. It’s unfortunate that the teacher can’t spend as much one-on-one time with her.”

“It was a thrill for me,” Lynn said. “It made me want to come back and do more with another student and see if I could have an impact on somebody’s life to help them in the next step.”

YES, I CAN help a promising child eager to learn.

 I am interested in online tutoring this fall!

 I want help fund Children Rising online tutoring and mentoring programs to empower more children this year.

* Name changed to maintain confidentiality