Summary
Organization name
Riverside Education Centers
other names
REC
2006
Tax id (EIN)
20-5451495
Category
Education
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
1177 Winters Avenue PO Box 4367Grand Junction, CO 81502
Mesa County, CO, US
Welcome to Riverside Education Centers' giving page. Thank you for your interest in REC. We hope you are inspired to give. Thank you!
Riverside Education Centers provides structured after-school tutoring and educational enrichment to help K-12 students grow both academically and personally. Your support of REC allows us to offer a broad array of experiences to support those students who need it most.
Testimonials
Paulina is an outgoing student who attends REC on a regular basis. She has found that because of REC her grades are a lot better and she enjoys school more. In this semester alone, she was able to go from a D to a C in Math. She says, "REC is fun because it's nice and calm. I get help on my homework and learn new strategies to help me remember how to do things. I love the people here at REC because they treat me with respect. It rocks!" Along with earning better grades, Paulina has also made some new friends. REC is something that she looks forward to every day.
Frankie has been with REC since he was in 3rd grade. Now in 6th grade, he still enjoys REC very much. "It's awesome," he says. "They help me do my homework and I get to make new friends." Currently, Frankie has A's and B's in all his classes. "I don't like school, but I like REC!" he says.
Veronica is the mother to Juan and Julio, two boys who attend REC. She is grateful for the positive impact REC has had on her family's life. "I have seen a HUGE difference in my sons, especially Julio. Before REC, his grades weren't that great and he was very shy. Now his grades are way better, and he is more outgoing and has a really great group of friends. I really think it was REC that did all of that. I appreciate everyone that is there, they are really great!"
So many people have been impacted by REC programming. Here are a few of their comments:
"When I don't go to REC my grades get really bad, but when I do go to REC my grades are a lot better."
"REC helps me by giving me confidence in my work and inspires me to work harder and gives me things I can use in my future."
"I've enjoyed working here at REC! And I think it's such an important program for those students in need. I've seen so many students grown mentally and physically and develop into young adults. Such a rewarding job!"
"The field trips are my favorite! REC helps my brain grow!"
Mission
Riverside Education Centers provides Mesa County students with high-quality academic and extracurricular experiences during out-of-school time to foster individual growth and to create community within a safe, diverse, equitable, inclusive environment.
Background Statement
REC was founded in 2006 by Mary Spirio, a former 3rd grade teacher who envisioned an after-school program that could remove the barriers to learning and opportunity that many students face. Her goal was to provide no-cost, after-school tutoring alongside fun and engaging enrichment experiences for the elementary and middle school kids of the Riverside neighborhood.
REC opened in 2006 and served 22 students. In 2023, REC is at 16 local elementary, middle, and high schools, serving over 1,000 K-12 students throughout the Grand Valley. REC enjoys the strong support of many community partners including School District 51 and Colorado Mesa University.
REC's offerings have expanded through the years to provide academic and enrichment opportunities to help students grow to reach their potential and achieve their dreams.
On and off-site enrichment focuses on STEAM (science, technology, arts, engineering, math)-based explorations. Outdoor education and adventure helps students build confidence and resiliency and connect with the larger community. Support for 5th graders moving into 6th grade and 8th graders moving into 9th grades ensures that students stay on track academically. At the high school level, all students graduate with a plan for their future and receive help with college applications and scholarships, job explorations and more.
In addition, meaningful caregiver and parent support is provided to further support families and students.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Grand Junction, CO 81502