Blog

* 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.

A Dedicated Tutor Put a Book in Jaime’s Hands … and a Smile on His Face

By Eric Steckel
August 22, 2024

You Helped Jaime Blossom Into a Confident Reader

Thanks to you—and the persistent efforts of his dedicated tutor, Kirby Smith—Jorge has become an enthusiastic reader.

When was the last time you really struggled to learn something? How did it make you feel? Frustrated? Reluctant? Ready to throw in the towel? We’ve all been there!

So was Jaime*. Last year, this little guy was a second grader who struggled with reading, barely at a kindergarten level. He was discouraged and reluctant to take part in Succeeding by Reading. Thanks to you—and the persistent efforts of his dedicated tutor, Kirby Smith—Jaime’s story has taken a remarkable turn.

Kirby began tutoring after retiring in 2020. He described his experience with Jaime as both challenging and rewarding. “Jaime is a strong-willed boy with a rich emotional background that sometimes hindered his ability to concentrate,” Kirby shared.

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!

Jaime struggled in the same reading “zone” for months. Some days he was frustrated and unwilling to work. Clinic coordinator Brenda Paulin administered three skills checks to move on to the next “zone.” Each time, Jaime just missed moving on.

“When he finally passed I nearly cried. He finally made it.”

Kirby discovered that meeting Jaime halfway with engaging activities helped the boy focus. He would begin each session with a picture comparison game that was easy and fun. He discovered that Jaime loves soccer. To keep him motivated, Kirby gave him a coloring book of his favorite soccer player, Lionel Messi. Some days were better than others, but Kirby’s patience and creativity paid off.

After three near-misses, Jaime finally passed his skill check in the last week of the program. Kirby vividly recalls the joy and relief they both felt. “When he finally passed I nearly cried. He finally made it,” Kirby said.

Without feeling that moment of success, Jaime might have continued to feel sullen about learning.

Kirby values the one-on-one relationship he developed with Jaime. Kirby tailored his tutoring to Jaime’s needs. It made a significant difference to Jaime’s progress.

Jaime and friend at Succeeding by Reading

Your gifts support children who thrive on personalized tutoring, and put smiles on faces!

This breakthrough transformed Jaime’s attitude toward learning. He became an enthusiastic reader, and it was the rocket fuel needed to improve his attitude toward learning and reading.

You support children who thrive on perseverance and personalized support. Kirby’s dedication exemplifies the impact caring tutors can have on a child’s life. You give children like Jaime a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life.

Your $15 gift gives children like Jaime a one-on-one tutor for a day. You are giving them the gift of reading!

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

* 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.

Sustaining Momentum: Your Support Keeps Da’myla Reading All Summer

By Eric Steckel
August 19, 2024

Thanks to You, Ms. Joan and Da’myla Continue Their Learning Journey Beyond the Classroom

Because of you, Da’myla and Ms. Joan formed a bond that has continued to grow through summer reading get-togethers.

You know that a child’s learning journey doesn’t end when the school year does. But many children in Oakland don’t have the resources to continue learning over the summer months.

Ms. Joan Cardellino is keenly aware that we don’t have the time to waste.

“The more fun you can have, the more receptive the kids can be to learning.”

Joan is a dedicated Succeeding by Reading tutor. She worked one-on-one with second-grader Da’myla* last year. The two formed a close bond in the process. Thanks to your support, Da’myla thrived in reading, and is continuing to make progress this summer!

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!

Da’myla’s connection with Ms. Joan extended beyond the classroom. During the end-of-year celebration, Ms. Joan reached out to Da’myla’s mother, Lashawnda, with a heartfelt thank-you card. She also offered to meet Da’myla over the summer to read. This gesture led to an ongoing summer reading partnership at the Oakland Public Library. Their visits include checking out books and enjoying the nearby park.

Da’myla receives the gift of a new book.

Your gifts provide Da’myla the joy and excitement of discovering a great book.

Ms. Joan is passionate about preventing the summer slide, the learning loss that can occur during the long break. “Da’myla made a lot of progress but is still significantly behind grade level. If she goes 10 weeks over the summer without reading, some of the progress Da’myla made would be lost,” Ms. Joan explained.

Their library visits have been a delightful mix of education and fun. Da’myla, now equipped with her very own library card and self-checkout skills, explores both fiction and nonfiction. From an Encyclopedia of Manga to children’s cookbooks, Da’myla’s interests are broad and varied. Ms. Joan even engages her in cooking discussions, linking reading to everyday activities like making grilled cheese and learning where cranberries come from.

A circle of care over the summer

Da’myla reading with Joan at Library reading with Joan at Library.

“The more fun you can have, the more receptive the kids can be to learning.”

The FamilyBridge program plays a crucial role in this story. You support a collective effort from families, schools, and communities that sparks a child’s learning. Pia Dandan, Succeeding by Reading program manager, remarked, “It warms my heart to see how this ‘Circle of Care’ can continue outside of our tutoring clinic during the school year.”

Your caring heart helped form the bond between Ms. Joan and Da’myla. And it underscores the importance of continuous support. Da’myla’s delight in finding books about little girls of color—“girls that look like me!”—is a testament to the caring, personalized support she receives.

Your gifts make these connections possible. This summer, Da’myla continues to be nurtured in a circle of care—and enjoys special trips to the library and park with her special tutor.

Every dollar counts. Your $15 gift sends a child a tutor for a day. Please help more children like Da’myla learn to read!

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

* 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!

SbR Tutor Henrietta Fabio at Horace Mann Elementary School in Oakland.

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.

Homework Tutor at Sankofa United Elementary School in Oakland.

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

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 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!

Volunteer Tutor Profile: Meet Succeeding by Reading Tutor Ann Rosenberg

By Eric Steckel
July 24, 2023

Longtime tutor finds the magic in one-on-one relationships, and children thrive!

Succeeding by Reading Tutor Ann Rosenberg with student.

The one-on-one relationship you form with your child is fundamental. “It’s just a happy feeling. It’s very rare that kids get this one-on-one relationship with anybody at that age.”

Succeeding by Reading tutor Ann Rosenberg discovered Children Rising in a roundabout way through her friend Jan Zovickian. After working as a school social worker in Oakland schools for 30 years, she has spent the last six years tutoring eager children and enabling them to learn to read.

“If you care about the child, and they care about you, that comes through. I think that is a huge part of success in tutoring …”

“I love kids; I love tutoring. I find that one of the best ways to build self-esteem is when kids feel that they’re able to learn and feel good about themselves; more than almost any therapy in the world, it helps them realize that they can learn. It’s a highlight of my week,” Ann said.

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!

Supporting a child through difficult periods

During the disrupted COVID year of 2020, Ann tutored a young girl named Juliana. “Juliana was enthusiastic. She really wanted to learn to read better,” Ann recounted. “She was very hard on herself, so I just tried to reinforce everything positive that I could. I would tell her, ‘It’s okay, you don’t have to be perfect, it’s about progress, not perfection.”

Julianna gives a thumbs up to learning math.

Because of you, children like Juliana have overcome challenges in school and risen to their God-given potential. That’s a beautiful thing indeed!

Juliana made great progress despite the year being cut short. “There was a book she loved, a graphic book. When a child is motivated because she’s interested in the material, it’s much better than anything else. So we were reading the book together, and she was doing well. I think she was more forgiving of herself if she made a mistake, she got back on the horse more quickly, and her frustration level decreased.

The importance of a one-on-one connection

To Ann, the one-on-one relationship is fundamental. “If you care about the child, and they care about you, that comes through. I think that is a huge part of success in tutoring, therapy, social work, anything really,” she said. “It’s just a happy feeling. It’s very rare that kids get this one-on-one relationship with anybody at that age. The caring and the warmth that grows between people—I’ve had it with little boys, little girls, it doesn’t matter. It’s the weekly contact. Knowing someone cares about you and is going to be there for you, come rain or shine, is special.”

“This program is fantastic. It’s so well organized … It’s a real gift to be able to work with the program. What can I say? It’s beautiful. It’s a beautiful thing.”

When I asked her if she had anything to share with potential tutors, she replied, “This program is fantastic. It’s so well organized. Rebecca and Pia do such a great job. It’s a real gift to be able to work with the program. What can I say? It’s beautiful. It’s a beautiful thing.”

We are grateful for Ann and all of the dedicated Succeeding by Reading tutors. Because of you, children like Juliana have overcome challenges in school and risen to their God-given potential. That’s a beautiful thing indeed!

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!

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!

A happy child works on math with a volunteer tutor.

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!

Alphabox Inspires Delight In Young Readers

By Eric Steckel
October 25, 2022

Family Engagement Enables David and Diego to Succeed in Reading

Your support of children AND families enables David and Diego to overcome their struggles in reading and rise to their God-given potential.

David and Diego, twin brothers in second grade last year, are an “entertaining” pair. They are active, play soccer, and love exploring the local parks. They also enjoy more quiet pursuits like painting and history.

However, despite loving books, they struggled with reading. In fall 2021, they enrolled in Succeeding by Reading and continued with the program throughout the school year and summer.

“The boys were engaged and entertaining,” said Bev Hanson, a Succeding by Reading summer program coordinator. “They were easy to work with and always willing to talk and work.”

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!

David and Diego’s family supported their learning.

Although she has a very busy schedule, Melby, their mother, was ever-present on the summer Zoom meetings. “They get excited when they see the tutor and want to spend more time on Zoom. They get excited when the tutor says you will advance to another color,” she told us.

Their older brother Emilio took time to read to them and use their POWER Pack—a handy “alphabox” designed to enable SbR families to improve their children’s reading skills at home using the same materials we use in our program.

“They are making great progress in reading. They are doing well at school. I am very happy with their development. This program is very important to Diego and David. But they still need reading support.” – Melby, David and Diego’s Mother

Family engagement has enabled David and Diego to better use their time in SbR. When families are an integral part of their child’s education, they can confidently nurture and advocate for their child’s academic success.

“They are making great progress in reading. They are doing well at school. I am very happy with their development,” Melby reported. “This program is very important to Diego and David. But they still need reading support.”

Your gifts will ensure David and Diego receive the support they need.

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.

President Biden Calls On You: “We Need Tutors”

By Jim Wambach
July 19, 2022

Children Rising Math and Reading Tutors Support Initiative To Place 250,000 Tutors

Volunteer tutoring 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.

The Biden-Harris Administration recently announced a series of initiatives to help students make up for lost learning time and succeed in school and in life. The White House calls on schools to use the $122 billion in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to provide high-quality tutoring, summer learning and enrichment, and afterschool programs.

“Building on President Biden’s call to action in the State of the Union, the Biden-Harris Administration is also joining with leading organizations to launch the National Partnership for Student Success (NPSS) to provide students with an additional 250,000 tutors and mentors over the next three years,” the announcement states.

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!

Students throughout the country are suffering from unprecedented levels of unfinished learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide, children are two to four months behind in reading and math. Closer to home, 75-80% of the second-graders in Oakland Unified School District schools we serve are two or more grade levels behind in reading or math.

“We know what works: fully staffed schools, and personalized support for students through high-quality tutoring, summer learning and enrichment, and afterschool programs that help students not only make academic gains, but also stay connected to school and one another. The steps announced today will further help ensure America’s children have what they need to thrive.” – The White House

A nationwide call for tutors this year

This is not a standard request for volunteers. As a nation, the call has gone out: We need more high-quality tutors to provide more instances of tutoring this year. 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 to nurture a struggling child in school.

Here in Oakland:

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

Volunteer tutoring 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.

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:

Become a tutor. If you have ever considered stepping forward to nurture and empower a struggling child in school, now is the time! Apply 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 can succeed from day one.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need additional information. I am grateful for any assistance you can provide as we work to spread the word throughout the community.

For the Children,

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!

Taniya Finds Her Safe Space

By Children Rising
June 29, 2022

Your Support Helps Her Learn to Read

Jeannette Brantley came to Children Rising in 2019 as a volunteer tutor, looking to offer something back to her Oakland community. That year of tutoring was the first round of her “initiation into the Children Rising community.” Jeannette joined the Succeeding by Reading staff as Associate Program Coordinator and feels blessed to have met so many eager young students and caring, committed tutors. She recently shared the story of Taniya* and Angela.

Miss Angela made Taniya feel “seen, heard, and valued.” The trust they formed made Taniya feel safe and eager to learn.

My experience as an SbR tutor and program coordinator allows me to contribute my time and abilities to children in under-served schools, offering nurturing support to get them to become proficient in reading. Over time, I found it was as much about my learning as it was for my students. I learned to meet each student where they were. Students often arrived with trauma that was unknown to me—unspoken and all too often unacknowledged. At times, a child’s actions spoke of a need for a safe space to be seen and heard before the work of learning could occur. I needed to listen to hurts that were not always articulated in words.

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!

Taniya Blossoms in School, Thanks to You

This past year, I have witnessed Taniya, a third-grader in a West Oakland elementary school, blossom in her reading skills after working with her tutor, Miss Angela. Initially, Taniya did not buy into the tutoring, but she continued to attend with other students from her class who were in the clinic.

“Our work extends beyond the mechanics of reading and includes all the elements of demonstrating care for the kids we serve.” – Jeannette Brantley, Associate Program Coordinator

Angela has worked with some of our more challenging students, many of whom lack confidence in their ability to learn to become better readers. That often shows up as a reluctance to read. Angela was able to engage with Taniya because of her patience. She gave Taniya space and time to share whatever she needed to share before they would begin. Taniya felt seen, heard, and valued. More importantly, she came to know that she could trust her tutor, who was a new person in her life. Taniya felt safe in our reading clinic.

Hard Work and Caring Support Pay Off

Your support of Succeeding by Reading provides an eager child with a one-on-one reading tutor. The relationship builds confidence in the student, so they become confident readers.

With her hard work and the care extended to her, Taniya went on to read at our highest reading zone. In our year-end assessment, she tested at grade level.

“Team Taniya” Y’all Rock! It proves once again that we teach our students the foundations needed to become proficient readers. Still, our work extends beyond the mechanics of reading and includes all the elements of demonstrating care for the kids we serve. It’s fundamental to our work.

An hour a week with a struggling child builds self-esteem and helps them blossom into a confident reader.

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.

6 Ways Volunteers Support Effective High-Dosage Tutoring

By Eric Steckel
June 23, 2022

Children Rising Programs Contribute to Recovery From Unfinished Learning

Tutoring, and in particular, high-dosage tutoring, has emerged as one of the leading solutions to overcoming unprecedented levels of unfinished learning brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Volunteer tutoring 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.

Trained, supported volunteer tutors contribute to high-dosage learning strategies and support children in their recovery from unfinished learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning for all students. According to an April 2021 report by McKinsey, “on average, students are five months behind in mathematics and four months behind in reading by the end of the (2020-2021) school year.” Unfinished learning is even greater for children and youth in under-resourced schools, especially Black, Latino, and English learners.

The Department of Education is urging schools to provide up to 90-minutes of tutoring per week. High-dosage tutoring is generally defined as one-on-one or small group tutoring at least three times per week, totaling about 100 hours of tutoring during the school year. Unfortunately, students most in need of high-dosage tutoring are least likely to have access to a 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!

Evidence-based High-dosage Tutoring Is Key to Success

Not all tutoring strategies stack up equally. A recent study by the Education Trust highlights effective strategies for implementing high-dosage tutoring. While they stress that state involvement in implementing programming leads to better outcomes, Children Rising programs are uniquely designed to contribute to high-dosage learning strategies and support children in their recovery from unfinished learning.

A recent study by the Education Trust highlights effective strategies for implementing high-dosage tutoring. Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math incorporate many of the components of effective high-dosage tutoring. (Graphic courtesy The Education Trust)

Six Features of Evidence-based High-dosage Tutoring Programs

The following six features are components Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math share with effective, evidence-based tutoring programs.

1:1 Student:Tutor Ratio – High-dosage tutoring works best with a ratio of one tutor for one or two children. Children Rising has long advocated one-on-one tutoring, where caring adults develop trusting relationships with students. The result leads to accelerated learning. Indeed, 70% of our students who receive 20 or more sessions of one-on-one reading tutoring advance two or more grade levels by the end of the year.
Skill-building curriculum – Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math are skill-based programs where tutors focus on incrementally building literacy and numeracy skills such as phonics and vocabulary for reading and grade-leveled algebra and geometry skills for numeracy. This approach is evidence-based and has been found to be most effective.
Training and Supervision – Effective programs provide pre-service training, ongoing training, and on-site supervision for tutors. Children Rising provides structured training and support so tutors can be effective from day one. It also leads to a high retention rate of 75%, leading to a more experienced pool of tutors.
In-School – In-school, teacher-coordinated pull-out sessions have proven most effective with students and have been a hallmark of Children Rising programs.
All year – Children Rising tutors stay with a child throughout the academic school year, providing consistent, caring instruction.
Younger students – Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math focus on second- and third-grade students, an age most educators feel is crucial to future academic learning.

Community Opportunities to Overcome Unfinished Learning.

As we continue to work with Oakland Unified School District and our school partners, we see an opportunity for the community to contribute to providing high-dosage tutoring and supporting child learning. To be successful, it will require many more caring community members to come alongside these eager children.

Our goal this year is to double the weekly tutoring sessions each child receives and grow the number of families that can confidently provide their children with in-home literacy support. Combined, both provide the high-dosage tutoring support so critically necessary to help our kids quickly become engaged, confident students—so crucial for their future growth and success in school.

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!

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.

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.
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.
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!

Jamari Gets a POWER Boost In Reading

By Eric Steckel
April 7, 2022

At-home Literacy Tools Support Family Learning

Your support of Children Rising provides children with one-on-one tutors and POWER Packs—a compact box packed full of early-reader books and literacy materials for eager young learners.

Sometimes, kids just need a boost of POWER—Practice Opportunities With Emerging Readers—to get them back to grade level in reading. A compact box, packed full of early-reader books and literacy materials for eager young learners, POWER Packs are a new tool that Children Rising developed this year. They are designed to empower the families of Succeeding by Reading students to improve their children’s reading skills at home using the same materials we use in our program.

Jamari* enrolled in SbR last winter. His mother, Janae, describes her son as “a little adventurer” who aspires to become a police officer. Jamari was an eager learner and made significant progress. However, as school ended, he remained considerably behind grade level. Jamari continued to receive tutoring sessions over the summer and was one of the first POWER Pack recipients.

“He really likes it. He’s getting what he needs at home,” Janae said. “Jamari loves the different books and hands-on tools and usually uses the POWER Pack on the weekend.”

Jamari is currently in the third grade. His tutor Joanne Ghiglieri observed that the extra work Jamari put in at home has paid off. “When he first came in, he said, ‘Oh, I know that. Oh, I had that before.’ He’s familiar because he had that jump-start. It gave him confidence in himself, which is a great thing.”

“The one-on-one relationship and resources at home are significant for parents like me. He’s more engaged in the classroom and more self-confident.”—Janae, Jamari’s mother.

Since working with Miss Joanne this year, Jamari has advanced two reading levels, enjoyed reading books like Dr. Seuss’ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and used the POWER Pack to start writing sentences for his other school homework. He has even begun helping his first-grade sister in her reading!

“He sees what his tutor is doing and wants to do it with his sister,” Janae reported. “This will be really good for her!”

Thanks to his POWER Pack and tutor, Jamari has progressed two levels in reading.

Jamari’s progress is evident in class as well. “He’s more engaged in the classroom and more self-confident,” she said. “The one-on-one relationship and resources at home are significant for parents like me. He’s still a little behind, but he’s getting there.”

While Jamari still has work to do, he will continue to progress and should reach grade-level reading this year. However, many children like Jamari still need extra support to reach their God-given potential in school. Our vision is that one-on-one tutoring and family resources—a POWER boost—are available to all children in Oakland!

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!

* 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

Jim Wambach - Executive Director 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!

Perspectives – State superintendent sets goal to get all California third graders reading by 2026

By Jim Wambach
September 24, 2021

“We already know that when students learn to read, they can read to learn anything and that this is a gateway skill that can carry them to any point in their life, career, and in their journey.” — Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jim Wambach - Executive Director Low childhood literacy rates have been a challenge for educators in Oakland. Now, after years of low reading scores statewide, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has pledged to get all third-grade students in California reading by 2026.

On Tuesday, Thurmond held a joint press event with education leaders from throughout the state where he introduced plans to create a task force to study the problem and make policy recommendations. The task force will be comprised of educators, parents, students, and education experts. In addition to announcing the task force formation, newly-elected Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Alameda, has agreed to sponsor legislation to help advance this goal.

“We already know that when students learn to read, they can read to learn anything and that this is a gateway skill that can carry them to any point in their life, career, and in their journey,” Thurmond said. “We also know that when students don’t learn to read by third grade, they are at greater risk to drop out of school, and they are at greater risk to end up in the criminal justice system. From my standpoint, this is a strategy that is about many things: helping children learn to read, but also putting them on a path that can create success for them. Our students can learn and overcome obstacles, but we have to give them the resources to do that, and now is clearly the time to advance this.”

Family engagement is key to learning, and to improving low childhood literacy rates throughout the state.

The task force and legislation, to be formally introduced in 2022, will explore a wide range of areas, including professional learning to teach reading, family engagement strategies, methods for getting books in the hands of students and their families, and “cobbling together” literacy efforts throughout the entire state towards an identified, stated goal.

Although light on details, Children Rising is encouraged by this announcement. It reflects the work that we as an organization have been passionate about for the last 20 years.

“California has to work together to prioritize that early care learning of its youngest children. We believe that early targeted literacy interventions can improve outcomes for an entire generation of Californian’s children.” — Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Chief Deputy Director from First 5 California

Our community enablement model hinges on professional learning to teach reading to struggling children. We recruit, train, and support caring adults to become literacy tutors so they can step in and help a child from day one. It becomes a type of vocation to which our tutors joyfully and diligently commit. The numbers bear this out as each year, 80% of our tutors return ready to help more eager children.

Family engagement is key to childhood learning. As the pandemic put more and more pressure on families, Children Rising has focused on engaging parents in their child’s tutoring. Our summer POWER Packs and food gift cards have encouraged increased levels of parental engagement and partnership with their child’s literacy. Effectively building relationships of mutual respect between parents and the teacher/tutor are key for parental engagement and accelerated learning.

Our library services team has done a remarkable job of getting books into the hands of eager young readers. By opening elementary school libraries that have stood closed for years, and by supporting libraries short on resources, children have been able to experience the thrill of reading for fun. This, in turn, will help them when it comes time to read to learn.

Partnerships will be crucial for the success of these efforts. By “cobbling together” all of the literacy efforts statewide — including those of nonprofits like Children Rising — California can reach this lofty goal.

Children Rising’s community enablement model works because we recruit, train, and support caring adults to become literacy tutors. They can step in and help a child from day one.

“California has to work together to prioritize that early care learning of its youngest children,” said Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Chief Deputy Director from First 5 California. “We believe that early targeted literacy interventions can improve outcomes for an entire generation of Californian’s children, and we are so grateful and look forward to working with Superintendent Thurmond and the team to make literacy a reality for all California kids.”

Before ending the press conference, Superintendent Thurmond encouraged those interested in participating in this new literacy effort or who wish to learn more to email statewideliteracycampaign@cde.ca.gov. Thurmond also called for efforts to get books in the hands of as many students and families as possible.

Children Rising will continue to be part of the solution of ensuring that every California student will learn to read by third grade by the year 2026. That would indeed make a generational impact in Oakland and all of California.

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!

Online Tutoring Will Help Adelyn and Enrique to Read At Grade Level

By Eric Steckel
March 25, 2021

Man tutoring a child through online tutoring.

Our tutors have missed seeing the children and are eager to get back to online tutoring this year.

When shelter in place was ordered and schools closed in March of 2020, distance learning swept into schools across the country. It has been a challenge to completely transform to online instruction, while simultaneously teaching the children. Over time, the teachers who dedicate themselves to our kids have gotten better at distance learning, but there are still challenges.

Children Rising recently launched Succeeding by Reading Anywhere at La Escuelita Elementary School in Oakland. Ms. Debra*, a second-grade teacher, shared that it has been harder to get to know her students this year “…because it’s all online. I’ve only met them in person a couple of times.” She also pointed out that it is harder than ever to find one-on-one time with students.

“Sometimes they just need that little bit of extra watering so they can flower and bloom.” — Ms. Debra

Adelyn* and Enrique* are cousins who are both in Ms. Debra’s class. The two bright, eager children were recently paired with a trained, one-on-one reading tutor. “I can tell they are both very bright,” Ms. Debra said. “Sometimes they just need that little bit of extra watering so they can flower and bloom.”

While it is too early to measure tangible results, our conversations with Ms. Debra, as well as Adelyn and Enrique’s family and tutors, give us confidence that online tutoring will play a role in getting kids to read at grade level, now and in the future. Having seen the impact of one-on-one tutoring over the past several years, Ms. Debra is confident that “…they will come back to the classroom with more confidence in their skills.”

Adelyn

Your support of Adelyn and Enrique will empower them to “…come back to the classroom with more confidence in their skills.”

Adelyn is an active seven-year-old girl who loves to learn new things. “But right now she’s struggling with distance learning because it’s hard for her to focus at home.” explained her mother, Brenda. “She gets a little distracted when her teacher is teaching, she starts spacing out.”

Adelyn began working with Mr. George, a seasoned reading tutor, two weeks ago. “She was shy at first, which was no surprise as we are not together in person. But at the end of the first session she warmed up.” said Mr. George.

Full of youthful energy, Adelyn is often a blur of motion on the screen during her tutoring sessions. However, she was dialed in to Mr. George, followed along with the online reading games, and even smiled and patted herself on the back when told that she had done well on a difficult exercise. “That was the first time I encouraged a child to pat themselves on the back,” he explained. “It seemed like a good way to get her engaged.” And it worked.

Adelyn’s mother is thankful for the extra attention. She shared that it has been difficult for Adelyn to complete all her homework assignments. “If she has any questions, she won’t come to me for help. I hope that she’s more open and confident with her tutor.” This has been a familiar concern and one that our online program capability can address. Students in need of additional homework support can get extra time with their tutors outside of the classroom time.

Enrique

Enrique is a sensitive, caring little boy who absolutely loves playing video games. Although he claims to “love distance learning”, he gets extremely distracted by the video screen and tempted to play games. Like all of the other children in the program, Enrique currently reads substantially below grade level. His Aunt Brenda hopes that through working one on one with his tutor Miss Marge, he will be able to catch up to his peers in reading.

“He’s not reading much,” Aunt Brenda shared. “When he’s at the computer, he would rather be playing video games.”

With the support and encouragement of a one-on-one tutor, Enrique engages and willingly participates in every task asked of him,” Miss Marge reports. “Each week, he seems to breeze through something that was giving him trouble the week before.”

Getting a child’s attention and encouraging them to try and learn new things “…is a difference-maker,” Aunt Brenda told me. “Ms. Debra has limited time, and extra one-on-one time is going to really help Enrique catch up.”

Work to be done
Eager young readers like Adelyn and Enrique have missed a significant amount of time in class. Through Succeeding by Reading Anywhere’s online tutoring, you are helping them to catch up on missed opportunities. We look forward to following their progress and sharing that with you in the months to come.

* Names changed to protect the identity of the students

Your $100 equips 4 second-graders with the necessary books, technology, and supplies needed for a year of tutoring.

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 Celebrates Our 30th Tutoring Clinic!

By Eric Steckel
February 27, 2020

Students at the Grass Valley Path2Math clinic

Your support allows us to respond to heartfelt needs from our community schools so we may help struggling students soar to their potential.

In early January, Children Rising opened a Path2Math clinic at Grass Valley Elementary School. This marked a milestone as we celebrated our 30th tutoring clinic. What makes it special is that it bears the hallmarks of Children Rising initiatives since our very beginning as Faith Network of the East Bay.

Late last fall, Casey Beckner, the principal at Grass Valley Elementary School, called Children Rising. She asked if we could provide tutoring in math and reading to the many students she observed to be two grade levels behind. Although we don’t normally begin clinics in the middle of the year, we understood the gravity of the situation. Like the very first school we worked in – Burbank Elementary School – there was a heartfelt need. We agreed to roll up our sleeves and partner with Grass Valley for the children.

Margena Wade-Green, Path2Math program director, and Michelle Hutcherson, Path2Math program manager, went to Grass Valley and conducted assessments. They found the majority of the students were indeed one to two grade levels behind where they should be. Although we did not have tutors available to serve Grass Valley, Margena and Michelle were undeterred. They revised the curriculum, found Barbara, an eager new tutor, and began working with 15 of the lowest-performing students.

Barbara, Path2Math tutor, works with a student

Volunteer math tutors like Barbara make it possible for vulnerable children to catch up to their peers in school.

“It’s not hard work, and it’s a labor of love. It is so gratifying to see the children leave our clinic happy and with a better attitude toward learning, and that makes all the difference in their development. We make sure they leave on a high note, even if it’s the only one they have all day.” – Margena Wade Green

The biggest hurdle to overcome was to encourage and incentivize learning. “The children simply did not have the structure or foundation to learn, nor the consistency in their instruction,” Margena said. “Many of the kids have a tendency to give up. We are providing a foundation to learn and, just as importantly, the encouragement to not give up.”

Things are going very well so far. The children are excited to learn and empowered by the opportunity. “It’s not hard work, and it’s a labor of love. It is so gratifying to see the children leave our clinic happy and with a better attitude toward learning, and that makes all the difference in their development. We make sure they leave on a high note, even if it’s the only one they have all day.”

You are helping us to expand our services in Grass Valley Elementary School and help many more children in math and reading.

We look forward to expanding our partnership with Grass Valley Elementary School. Since the start of our Path2Math clinic, we have been working to launch a Succeeding by Reading clinic and are eager to begin next year with a full head of steam.

Like the many other schools we serve, there is so much need at Grass Valley. If you are interested in being a math or reading tutor, this is your opportunity to come alongside a vulnerable child and empower them to rise to their God-given potential. Become a tutor now!

YES, I CAN help a vulnerable child SOAR to their God-given potential.

**I want to visit a math or reading clinic to see if it is right for me!**

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

“The Border Is Here” – What Can We Do About It?

By Eric Steckel
February 20, 2020

Perspectives Article by Eric Steckel, Communications Manager

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land.” – Harriet Tubman

For many of the children we tutor, English is their second language, and they are struggling to overcome the language barrier in school.

Last week, Children Rising participated in the Project Peace Speaker Series event “The Border Is Here”. The panel discussion included a wide array of speakers discussing the issues surrounding immigration from unique perspectives of housing, education, policy, the legal system, and the specific East Bay context.

As Rev. Deborah Lee, the Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, stated from the outset, there were going to be elements of the conversation that would make us squirm in our seats. That certainly reflects the complex nature of the immigration debate in our country. However, whatever your personal beliefs, it was refreshing to be in a room with people of good will, exploring and pondering the difficult questions we as a nation, a state, and a region are confronting.

“42% of the students we tutor in reading and math are Latino. 30% are English learners, speaking their native language at home and struggling with English at school.”

The issue of immigration, and “the stranger in our midst,” touches Children Rising on a daily basis. As I interviewed Succeeding by Reading clinic coordinator Gwen Stephens for a recent newsletter article, I was reminded that for many of the children we tutor, English is their second language. 42% of the students we tutor in reading and math are Latino. 30% are English learners, speaking their native language at home and struggling with English at school. Indeed, for our tutors, the border is here. Children Rising is doing something about it by teaching these children fundamental reading and math skills so they can rise above the additional challenges of learning in a second language.

Find something sustainable and close to your heart that you can do to make a difference in the life of a struggling child.

As the evening concluded, a question came in from the audience: What do you recommend we do about it? For people of good will, that is the question that leads to action, and several of the responses were empowering.

Go to another event and become involved in finding a solution. It’s easy, but don’t stop here.
Find something sustainable and close to your heart that you can do to make a difference. Then commit to it.

The good news? The opportunity is at hand to empower these and many other vulnerable children who are surrounded by poverty and attending severely under resourced schools. One-on-one tutors meeting with students each week, are nurturing hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive – and making a generational impact in our community, one precious child at a time.

YES, I CAN help a vulnerable child rise above the challenges of learning in a second language.

**I want to visit a math or reading clinic to see if it is right for me!**

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

“High-Energy” Student Thrives with Individual Attention

By Chelsea Boniak
December 21, 2019

Luis, a high energy second grader in Succeeding by Reading

Jean helped Luis focus his high energy and learn to read.

Despite initial challenges, Luis learned to read

Luis* and his tutor Jean are an unlikely pair. Last school year, Luis was a high-energy second grader. Although very smart, he could hardly sit still and had trouble focusing long enough to learn. Jean moves through life at a slower, more relaxed pace and started the school year unsure of how to relate to Luis. In fact, Jean considered asking to swap students with another tutor so both she and Luis could be paired with someone with whom each could have more success. But Jean decided to commit to Luis and remain consistent for him, with extra support from Succeeding by Reading Program Manager Bekah Wilson.

At the beginning of the school year, Luis was reading below a kindergarten grade level. His teacher, Ms. Dana, describes him as sweet and motivated to improve. He was always happy to attend tutoring and enjoyed the one-on-one attention and support he received from Jean each week. “There was no real ‘lightbulb moment,’” recalls Jean, “just slow and steady progress.” That steady progress led to amazing results: Luis had nearly caught up to grade level by the end of the school year!

“… the opportunity to receive extra help and see himself making progress each week was encouraging and validating for Luis, and made him feel better both in and out of the clinic.”

Luis and Jean in group photo at La Escualita Elementary School.

Luis and Jean (center in red and white shirts) were an unlikely pair, but they both received the extra support they needed to make significant progress together.

Luis’ blossoming relationship with Jean produced positive results outside of the reading clinic as well. Ms. Dana remembers Luis’ overall mood improving as his reading improved. She believes two important factors were at play in this shift. First, the personal attention made Luis feel valued and seen. “Who wouldn’t do better with some extra attention?” Ms. Dana asked. Luis’ story is a common one: the youngest sibling in a single-parent household, with his mother working long hours to provide for her family. We know that parents care deeply for their children, but when paying rent and putting food on the table is a struggle, individual academic attention can be very difficult to provide. Even in the best of circumstances, “every kid needs an adult relationship outside of family or a teacher,” Ms. Dana asserts. Jean’s role was bigger than simply that of a tutor: she was another caring adult who was choosing to spend an hour a week with Luis, and that in itself is a priceless gift.

Additionally, Ms. Dana points out, it’s obvious to kids-– especially at this age-– when they are struggling or need extra help. She likes to tell her students, “We are all gifted and talented in different ways, and we all need extra help in different things.” For a second grader who is struggling to read, it’s obvious to that child that they are not performing at the same level as their classmates. Having the opportunity to receive extra help and see himself making progress each week was encouraging and validating for Luis, and made him feel better both in and out of the clinic.

Ms. Dana is right– we do all need extra help in different ways. Luis needed some extra support to learn to read. His tutor, Jean, needed some extra support to learn how to relate to Luis and help him be successful. Bekah, Succeeding by Reading Program Manager, helped Jean with strategies to keep Luis focused. This team of caring adults, in tandem with his teacher and family, worked together to help Luis improve his reading skills by multiple grade levels in one school year, and set him up to be able to continue to succeed.

* Name changed to maintain confidentiality

YES, I CAN help a struggling child SOAR to their God-given potential.

**I want to attend an upcoming mentor or tutor orientation session to see if it is right for me!**

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

Alicia Lays a Foundation and Learns to Read

By Chelsea Boniak
October 16, 2019

One-to-one tutors like Janet (far left) build close relationships with struggling children like Alicia (not pictured). Trust lays a foundation for students to learn.

When we first met Alicia*, she was a second-grader at La Escuelita Elementary School who had trouble reading at a kindergarten grade level. Alicia built a close relationship with her Succeeding By Reading tutor Janet and told Janet that her mom had gone away. In order to maintain her Spanish skills to communicate with her mother when she returned, Alicia was enrolled in a bilingual class at school. Her father spoke Chinese at home, and it seemed as though there was no one in the family who was able to read with Alicia in English.

During that first year of tutoring, Alicia did not make much measurable progress, finishing the school year at the same reading level as when the year began. Janet could see that Alicia had potential and that she truly cared about learning, but the trauma of being separated from her mother and a lack of English language usage at home was making it difficult for her to move forward. Janet advocated that we work with Alicia again the following year, and requested to be her tutor once again.

Early in the following school year, Alicia excitedly told Janet that her mother had returned.

“From that day on,” Janet recalls, “she began to make progress. It was like a light bulb had switched on.” After Alicia got to a point where she could read some books on her own at the clinic, Janet made a deal with her that they would each individually read for 20 minutes every evening. By the end of the year, Alicia had caught up to her peers and was reading at a third-grade level!

“By the time she was ready to learn, she had the support, the tools, and the foundation to be able to fly.”

Janet points out that Alicia is a great reminder that this work is truly an investment and, sometimes, one with slow returns.

“She kind of just sat there for a year, and wasn’t able to make any progress while she struggled through a very traumatic experience,” Janet says. But, “by the time she was ready to learn, she had the support, the tools, and the foundation to be able to fly.”

Recalling other students who may not have experienced the “light switch moment” that Alicia did, Janet believes that the foundation work she laid was just as important. With the support and encouragement from a caring adult, when the child is ready, they will have the tools they need to rise above their challenges regardless of whether we are lucky enough to watch it happen.

*Name changed to maintain confidentiality

Tutoring a struggling child in reading or math is truly an investment and, sometimes, one with slow returns.

Tutor Training in October:

SbR Tutor Training

Wednesday, October 23, 3:00 – 5:30 pm
2633 Telegraph Ave, #412, Oakland 94612

YES, I CAN help a struggling child reach their God-given potential.

**I want to attend an upcoming tutor orientation session to see if tutoring is right for me!**

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

Perspectives

By Children Rising
March 1, 2018

by Jim Wambach, Executive Director

It’s not what is poured into a student, but what is planted. – Linda Conway

He who opens a school door, closes a prison. – Victor Hugo

Dear Community,

Many of you have done so much to help “at-promise” children in the East Bay. Though Children Rising prefers not to label them “at risk”, these children, whether in elementary school or high school, do indeed face severe challenges – challenges that many of us understand, but often are not able to relate to in the same deeply personal and connected fashion that we might reserve for a family member.

As you have read from Bronwyn Harris’ story of one Oakland child, the children whom Children Rising works with are truly at risk for a life of poverty, violence, prison and/or premature death. Their “at-promise” status is denied them simply because they were born to or live in a neighborhood that is substantially under-resourced and, in many cases, undervalued by our society. This tragedy is occurring EVERY day, and it insidiously drains the hope from thousands of wonderful children right here in our own backyard.

For these children, there are critical and very real crossroads in their young lives. We must act now – and with the outrage and sense of urgency we have for our own children. We must feel that outrage to the point of doing whatever is necessary to make sure children in our community, when faced with such adversity, are given the love, guidance, and support to stay off the path leading to despair and tragedy, and remain on – or rejoin – the path leading to promise and hope.

What can we do to help more children become “at-promise” instead of leaving them “at risk?”

Make it a top priority to let your neighbors and friends know there is an opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in a child’s life – and how much each passing day matters. We can monetarily and prayerfully support more volunteers – increasing the community’s engagement and commitment to help children realize their potential and follow a path of love and hope – the hope of a rich and fulfilling life and the ability to one day give back to and strengthen their community.

For the children,

Jim

At the Crossroads of “Promise” and “Risk”

By Children Rising
February 28, 2018

by Bronwyn Harris, teacher and author

I taught third grade in the Oakland Unified School District for eight years. I was passionate about my work, and dearly loved the children in my classes. Each one of them had so much promise.

However, I was teaching in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Oakland, a neighborhood that the police called “The Killing Zone.” What I discovered is that nearly every one of those promising students was also very much at risk.

I knew that Jorge was a special kid from the moment I met him. Introspective and intelligent, he was the “adult” in his family from a very young age. His mother was young when he was born and already had a substance abuse problem, something that he tried his best to come to terms with while continuing to love her.

Along with his self-awareness came Jorge’s pleas for help. He asked for help in every way he knew how: directly, with philosophical questions, by acting out, and more. The school just didn’t have any resources for him.

Today, Jorge is in prison. This was totally preventable with the right support.

Jorge was a very intelligent child but, as with many kids at my school, he was drastically behind academically for a variety of reasons. He had so much chaos at home that he wasn’t able to focus on homework or studying, and his internal struggles came with him to school. His parents had their own struggles, and his grandmother was illiterate. He just didn’t have any support. With academic tutoring, counseling, and a community to care about him and miss him when he didn’t show up, Jorge wouldn’t have joined a gang and he wouldn’t now be a felon.

When we volunteer, when we tutor, when we mentor, we support children at the crossroads of “promise” and “risk”, surrounding them with a caring community during critical periods in their lives. In doing so, we enable children like Jorge to reclaim and realize their potential.

Bronwyn Harris is the author of Literally Unbelievable: Stories from an East Oakland Classroom. The stories in her book come from her own experience as a teacher. To learn more about Bronwyn’s book and to read her blog, visit www.bronwynharrisauthor.com.

Meet Dave Sundman!

By Children Rising
December 6, 2017

In October, we welcomed Dave to the Children Rising team as CareerBridge Program Manager. Since 2015, Dave has been living in Oakland where he discovered his passion for mission ministries and education. In addition to Children Rising, Dave also serves at Cityteam Oakland Program and has founded a God-centered organization called DIVIN3KINGDOM, which uses hip-hop and mentorship to inspire youth to serve within their community. He’s currently studying to be an English Professor. In his free time Dave loves to play basketball and run around beautiful Lake Merritt.

October Announcements

By Sophia Wambach
October 2, 2017

Reading clinics have just started, but it’s not at all too late to join.

There are many struggling readers in need of tutors. We are always recruiting tutors, even during the school year.

Email volunteer@children-rising.org to sign up for a training session. And bring a friend!

Saturday, October 7, 9:00 – 11:30 am

Tuesday, October 17, 3:00 – 5:30 pm

Saturday, November 4, 9:00 – 11:30 am

________________________________________________

Our annual Matching Fund Campaign is kicking off soon!

Keep an eye on your mail for the details, which we will be sending out later this month.

Perspectives…

By Children Rising
October 2, 2017

For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other. – Millard Fuller

Dear Children Rising Community,

Children Rising’s ability to serve is made possible through a wonderful and diverse community of love and care. Every day we see examples of how this community is improving the potential and quality of lives for the children we are so privileged to have in our lives – whether it is Karyn’s dedication to excellence, which is supported by partners such as CalTrans, or our volunteer tutors and mentors who invest their time to learn how best to help a child in reading, math, or life. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to each and every member of this very special community.

For the Children,

Jim

Times of Refreshing

By Sophia Wambach
October 2, 2017

Returning tutors learning from Rebecca Buckley, Director of SbR

On a bright Wednesday morning in September, close to fifty reading tutors filled our Children Rising office almost to bursting. The event? Our yearly Returning Tutor Refresher Training.

Some attendees were returning tutors who joined us just last year or who are coming back after a hiatus. Others were long-time tutors who have faithfully come back year after year, but still welcome the chance to refresh and refine their methods for the sake of their students. Every struggling reader is different and so even seasoned tutors benefit from a refresher course and learning from other tutors.

This will be the fifth year that I’ve done the tutoring. I just enjoy it so much because the kids are so happy for the attention. They love to come and they love to make progress. It’s just a feel-good day all the way around. For me too ‘cause I feel like I’m helping and really accomplishing something with them. – Carole Johnson, Reading Tutor

Tutor Andy Anderson and Clinic Coordinator Gwen Stephens

One thing that tutors appreciated at this refresher training was a color-coded visual organization of the Emerging Readers’ Learning Sequence. Each of five colors represents a learning level. Teaching tools are labeled by correspondingly colored dots. This helps tutors to know which materials to use and what books to move onto once their student has mastered a level in a specific area, such as sight words or phonics.

Because volunteers are Children Rising’s most valuable resource, we prioritize training, guidance, and ongoing support for our volunteers. In Succeeding by Reading, that means new tutor trainings, returning tutor trainings, an abundance of carefully selected learning materials, and clinic coordinators who provide onsite guidance and supervision. Our hope is to cultivate volunteers so that we can serve more students every year and have a deep impact on each individual child.

Upcoming Tutor Trainings

By Children Rising
August 28, 2017

Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You can vote in elections once a year but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. -Unknown

Our Succeeding by Reading Clinics will start up in a month! Email volunteer@children-rising.org to sign up for a training session. Trainings take place at the Children Rising Office.

Saturday, September 23 , 9:00 – 11:30 am

Saturday, October 7, 9:00 – 11:30 am

Tuesday, October 17, 3:00 – 5:30 pm

Saturday, November 4, 9:00 – 11:30 am

How Did We Do in 2016-2017?

By Children Rising
August 28, 2017

CareerBridge: Hard at Work
In the spring CareerBridge trained 45 students from Ralph Bunche Academy and McClymonds High School in college and career readiness through our Business Essentials Workshops. Six students were partnered with wonderful volunteer mentors. In the summer, we placed 17 students, including those with mentors, at BART, Brain Balance, Caltrans, Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, and the Children Rising office for five- to six-week paid summer internships.

Science Horizons: Full STEAM ahead
Our Science Horizon program provided a full-service STEAM* Lab to the entire Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (300+ students), and more than one hundred students at PLACE at Prescott Elementary!

Last year, we served Piedmont Avenue Elementary and Laurel Elementary through five math tutors at each school, reaching 20 students per week at each location.

Science Horizons was instrumental in arranging field trips to Lawrence Berkeley Labs for 7 schools, Mission Springs Outdoor Education for 10 schools, and participation in Oakland Aviation Day for 6 schools.

*STEAM is shorthand for an educational emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

Succeeding by Reading: Moving Mountains
Have you ever moved a mountain? Succeeding by Reading tutors witness students moving mountains every year as they build skills in phonics, memorize high-frequency words, grow into fluent readers, and begin to experience academic success.
In the 2016-2017 school year, we provided individual reading instruction for 310 students. Two-thirds (67%) of our full-year students improved by two grade levels or more in their reading skills! Special thanks to our 142 reading tutors for investing time, attention, and devotion in the lives of our mountain-moving new readers.

Health4Kids: We Did What?!
Children Rising has worked with the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) since 2006. The ACCFB volunteer coordinator recently sent us some unexpected and inspiring stats.

Since 2006…
Volunteer participants: 3667
Hours Volunteered: 7460
Bags distributed: 239,025

Perspectives: What We Do in the Present

By Children Rising
August 28, 2017

“The future depends on what we do in the present.”
– Mahatma Gandhi –

As another school year begins, the above quote very much resonated with me. There are few areas of the future we can all individually impact as much as when we help our wonderful children to have a good start in life. Giving hope to at-promise students by closing the achievement gap in our urban public schools profoundly changes the trajectory of children’s lives. We’ve seen it happen year after year!

This is our mission here at Children Rising and – together with our many community partners, schools, and amazing volunteers – we have been able to help thousands of children over the years. Our ability to serve and

impact the East Bay community has grown each year and we are planning to serve more children with improved programs this year. But… we can’t do it without you!

“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”
– Josh Shipp –

As a Children Rising volunteer, you can change a life by

Helping a child become a successful reader and lifelong lover of learning
Opening up the world of science and the great outdoors to urban kids
Sharpening a student’s math and critical thinking skills
Mentoring a high school student in preparation for workplace internships
Enabling children to receive proper nutrition so they are better able to learn

All Children Rising volunteers are provided training, materials, and ongoing coaching by our experienced staff. Only a small amount of time is required and the rewards you receive in return are priceless!

Thank you to our many dedicated volunteers who help year after year. And to those of you who have not yet had a chance to volunteer, thank you in advance for any time you can give as we continue to serve the children of our community.

For the children,

Tutor Training – Feb. 7

By Children Rising
February 1, 2017

You are invited to learn more about becoming a reading tutor at our upcoming Tutor Training! Children Rising East Bay - Excel Reading Clinic - Hoover Elementary Oakland Photo: Steve Babuljak / www.babuljak.com

When: Tuesday, February 7 3:00 – 5:30 pm

Where: All trainings held at our office:
2633 Telegraph Ave, #412
Oakland, CA 94612.

Training materials and yummy snacks will be provided. Sign up with Rebecca at rebecca@children-rising.org or call our office at 510.836.5100.

Want to be a part of something positive?

By Children Rising
February 1, 2017

Volunteer with Children Rising. By sharing just a few hours of your time and talent each week, you can help a struggling student reach their potential.

How can one person make a difference?

Personal relationships are the secret to our success. Because of that, one person can always make a difference in the life of a struggling young student.

Together, we will continue to close the achievement gap in under-resourced urban public schools.

Will you consider how you can make a positive impact in the community?

Go to www.children-rising.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteering with Children Rising.

Tutor Training – Want to learn more about tutoring? Click here for information about our upcoming Tutor Training on Feb. 7.

Happy 2017!

By Children Rising
December 26, 2016

May God fill you with his love, joy and peace throughout the New Year!

2016-group-pic

Children Rising staff from left to right: (front row) Gwen Stephens, Pearl Wang, Randy Roth, Caroline Piraino, Michelle Hutcherson, (back row) Rebecca Buckley, Charlotte Martinez, Margena Wade-Green, Jan Zovickian, Chelsea Boniak, Ashley Verinsky, Kim Flom. Not pictured: Deborah Davis.

Literacy Tutor Training

By Children Rising
December 26, 2016

Tuesday, January 10, 2017
3:00 – 5:30 pm

Training materials and yummy snacks will be provided. All trainings held at our office:
2633 Telegraph Ave, #412
Oakland, CA 94612.

Project Peace: Day of Service

By Children Rising
December 26, 2016

Over the past nine years, Project Peace has been a catalyst for change at local schools, homeless shelters, mentoring programs, and other social service providers. They began in 2007 partnering with one church and engaging 100 volunteers to serve 300 hours. Last year Project Peace partnered with 20 churches, engaged over 1,300 volunteers, and served over 4,000 hours at social service providers and schools across the East Bay, several of which are also served by Children Rising.

project-peace-garfield-nov-2016
Project Peace does an outstanding job of organizing Days of Service that take place on Saturdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon every three months. They prepare by going to the service site in advance to determine priority needs, and then congregations and individual volunteers are assigned to a particular site knowing what tasks will be addressed. For example at the last Day of Service, Garfield Elementary volunteers focused their attention on “leveling” books, which means sorting and labeling according to reading grade level. This time consuming work is immensely helpful to teachers, enabling them to quickly choose books that correspond to a given student’s level of reading proficiency.
What is unique about the Day of Service is that it gives people who are busy on weekdays an opportunity to give back on a half-day Saturday. Once a Project Peace volunteer gets acquainted with a school site, they may be able and willing to serve on a week day while school is in session. For example, the Garfield Elementary Day of Service was the catalyst for the launching of an Excel Reading Clinic staffed by volunteers who come weekly to tutor second- and third-graders.
Next Project Peace Day of Service is Saturday, Feb. 25.

For volunteer sign-up information, go to: www.projectpeaceeastbay.org.

May God bless your new year!