Our scholars & families
Rise & Shine is all about the children, of course. To reinforce the fundamental importance of academics as a key to success, we deliberately refer to our students as Scholars. Tutors and staff treat every child with respect for his or her individuality, honoring and celebrating differences.
““Tutors help me get A’s and B’s and they do their best to help me. They care about us because they want us to strive in school. We learn to have courage and confidence to do something.””
One of the reasons for Rise & Shine's success is parents' commitment to their children and to the program. Each month parents meet and plan activities to assist with fund raising, building community and providing enrichment activities for their Scholars. Seasonally, there are potluck meals to allow parents and volunteers to talk and get to know each other. Parents serve a minimum of 10 volunteer hours per semester through such activities as attending meetings, accompanying Scholars on field trips, and assisting with food service and clean up.
“The Rise & Shine program enhanced our confidence, communication skills, creativity, and self- discipline. I have never known anyone who was not made better by involvement with Rise & Shine. ”
“I am grateful for all that I learned in my association with Rise & Shine. The program encouraged me to look outside myself and to develop long-term goals related to children and education.”
“The Rise & Shine program is helping my kids in so many ways. My girls are not only doing better in their studies; the program also has inspired them. They enjoy learning about their history, their social skills are improving, and they are thinking more about their future. I am thankful for everyone in this program.”
“More than just an after school program, Rise & Shine has been a godsend to my children and our family. The staff is caring and tries to do everything they can to enrich my children’s lives. I don’t know what I would have done without them for the past two years.”