◈ Homepage — http://www.children-rising.org/Save My Spot “Discover how precious your gift can be.” (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Search anytime by typing Who We Are What We Do Where We Serve How To Volunteer News How To Give Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Every young child deserves a fair chance to succeed in school… and in life. Every young child deserves a fair shot at success in school and beyond. Through personalized one-on-one reading and math tutoring, plus family support, we enable children to rise to their God-given potential. Your generous gift today will wrap a child in a circle of care, setting them on the path to thrive in school. Will you please make a gift today? Yes, I want to give a child a tutor today! You’re invited! Discover how precious your gift can be Join a Giving Gathering and see how your support helps a child overcome learning challenges and grow in reading, math, and confidence. Save my spot! 2024-25 Impact Report One-on-one Tutoring Carried Home Tutoring at School. Follow-through at Home. Lasting Progress. Read Your Report Card Tutors Needed Experience the magic of tutoring! Can you spare two hours a week to tutor an elementary child in reading or math? We have opportunities for you to be a fantastic tutor. Training and support are provided, and children are eagerly awaiting for you! Become a tutor today! You can help a promising child rise above! We make it easy! We will train you, match you with a child that needs you the most, and support you and your student! The life you change may be your own! Reading Tutor 60% of Oakland 3rd Graders read below grade-level average. For them, it’s more than just learning to read. It’s about reading to learn. Share the joy of reading with a child Math Tutor One-on-one tutoring helps struggling students learn math concepts and overcome the learning gap. Give a child confidence in their critical math skills Easy ways to make an impact Donate Testimonials “I think helping students in school is very important because you're giving them practical skills they're going to need to succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond.” Carl Anderson, Path2Math tutor “Joaquin loves to read. The challenge has been keeping him within the limits of what he knows and gradually advancing to bigger and better words because he wants to keep going and read, read, read.” Suzanne Bourque, Succeeding by Reading tutor “Because I don't have my own children, I want to help leave something behind, doing some good for all the children. So they're all my children!” Iyana Amayani, Succeeding by Reading tutor Read what others are saying Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us Email First Name Last Name By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Children Rising, 2633 Telegraph Ave, Apt 412, Oakland, CA, 94612, US, https://www.children-rising.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact. Sign up! ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. BESbswyBESbswy ◈ Interior Pages — 43 pages crawledGiving Gatherings - Children Rising Giving Gatherings - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results About Giving Gatherings Hope for Children Now Giving Gatherings are your opportunity to discover the power of your gifts! How your generosity helps struggling children learn reading and math and rise to their God-given potential ! Giving Gatherings are a series of three small, intimate events hosted in the homes of Children Rising supporters throughout Oakland and the East Bay. Meet and fellowship with caring members of the Children Rising family. Please join us for a two-hour gathering with delicious food, engaging conversation, and inspiring stories about our kids. Meet the children’s “Circle of Care” You will hear stories of children and families in Children Rising programs. Be inspired by their circle of care —the loving parents and caregivers, caring tutors, and passionate educators—who are working every day to help children rise above the everyday challenges they face in school. Indulge in fine food and drink. Enjoy a delectable spread of small bites and refreshments as you fellowship with your fellow Children Rising family. An Invitation to Give Discover the power of your gift! Your generosity will help provide a child with a one-on-one tutor, in-home learning tools, and family support so they can learn reading and math. You will give them a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life. Dates and Locations Saturday, May 2nd 4 – 6:00 p.m. Danville Hosted by John and Jeanne Cooney Closed Saturday, May 9th 4 – 6:00 p.m. Oakland Hosted by Jeff and Linda McClain Closed Saturday, May 16th 4 – 6:00 p.m. Moraga Hosted by Ted and Beth Streeter RSVP Can’t attend? Make a gift today! “Last night’s event was lovely and I enjoyed reconnecting with everyone as well. The hosts were so generous with their home which was a lovely setting for the event.” – Joyce Hicks, longtime Children Rising supporter. Click here for sponsorship information Yes, I want to support the circle of care! Thank you to our generous Sponsors! $15,000 Level Dave and Robin Sweet   $10,000 Level Kathy Drake Jim Holst Julie Knell Carl and Judy Moore   $5,000 Level Mark and Joanne Perra   $3,000 Level Don and Karyn Kintzer Linda Safarik-Tong and Roger Tong Richard and Janet Sheehy Gabe Togneri and Pat Thompson   $1,500 – 2,000 Level Jonathan and Varetta Mayes Jeff and Linda McClain Pacific Galvanzing Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer - Children Rising Volunteer - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Info “Children Rising cares so much about these kids that it invests the time and effort to train the tutors and provide us with tools to do a good job.” – Linda Hawkins, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) See how our tutors and students benefit from a one-on-one relationship. There are many opportunities for YOU to help a child rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising makes it simple. We invite YOU to join hundreds of volunteers who are nurturing and equipping students to rise above the challenges they face in school. Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people and groups to offer their time and talents to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life. We structure Children Rising programs so that it is easy for you to be effective immediately. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school children in reading and math, supporting family engagement activities, one-time and recurring projects, and events to reinforce Children Rising programs. Whether you are interested in tutoring or volunteering in a different capacity, we will coach and guide you along the way. Join us! The reward of helping a student succeed in school and grow in personal confidence as they reach their potential is priceless. PLEASE NOTE: We prefer all volunteer applicants reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have a familiarity with our East Bay community. I’m interested in becoming a tutor! Volunteer Opportunities Apply Today 5 things you should know about becoming a volunteer tutor 1. No experience is necessary! We provide training, all the materials, and coaching so that you can be effective immediately. 2. Tutoring clinics operate during school hours, Monday thru Friday, and are supported by Children Rising staff. Both morning and afternoon clinic times are available, but also dependent on school needs. Our reading program is conducted onsite in person, while our math program has both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. 3. You work with your students one-on-one. In a two-hour clinic, you tutor one student and then another student for 45 minutes each. We try to pair you with those students for the entire academic year. 4. There are several volunteer screening requirements. Schools require all volunteers who interact with children, whether it’s online or in person, to get a live scan background check. In-person tutors will also need to provide proof of negative TB status. 5. We ask that you commit to coming every week until clinics close in the spring. It is important to show up for your student each week. The children really count on it and look forward to seeing you! That being said, we recognize that life happens and you may need to miss some weeks for vacation or sick days. Just let us know ahead of time. Apply Today! Volunteer Opportunities: simple ways you can help a child reach their potential “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert Field, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) Children Rising offers many opportunities for you to connect with a student, inspiring hope, and the confidence to succeed. By sharing your time, you connect with a student, a school, and your community. Tutor a Child (Reading or Math) Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week. Format: Reading tutoring is currently in person only . Math tutoring offers in-person and some online opportunities . Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours Apply Today Ongoing Opportunities Be part of a caring circle that helps learning take root — at school and at home Children Rising’s Circle of Care supports children and families throughout the school year through caring relationships, tutoring, and practical tools that strengthen learning in reading and math. Ongoing volunteer roles run throughout the school year, and volunteers play a vital role by supporting family engagement and outreach, uplifting digital communications, Zoom learning experiences for caregivers, and creating ready-to-use learning resources that reinforce what students are working on in school and tutoring. Time Commitment: Most roles are about 2–4 hours per week (some closer to 2 hours/week). Find opportunities Apply Today One-Time Service Projects Project-based volunteering, when it fits your schedule We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available. Time Commitment: Varies depending on the project. Volunteer Calendar Apply Today Start volunteering With support and encouragement from our staff and fellow volunteers, you can start to make a difference in the lives of children and youth immediately! Yes, I want to give a child a fairer chance in school! Apply Today! Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Children Rising News & Events | Leadership Updates Children Rising News & Events | Leadership Updates (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Upcoming Events June 2026 06 June 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Children Rising Family Festival 2026 REGISTER Category event Celebrate summer with your Children Rising family. Celebrate summer with your Children Rising family Join us for a joyful afternoon in the park with children, families, tutors, volunteers, donors, and friends of Children Rising. Come enjoy games, activities, food, and time to connect as we celebrate the children and community that make Children Rising so special. Whether you are a family in one of our programs, a tutor, a longtime supporter, or a new friend, we would love to welcome you. Bring the whole family and be part of a fun, relaxed summer gathering filled with laughter, connection, and community. Saturday, June 6, noon-3 p.m. Snow Park at Lake Merritt Harrison St. and 19th St., Oakland, CA 94612 RSVP today We hope you’ll join us for this joyful afternoon together. P.S. Want to help make the day extra special for the kids and families? We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to volunteer at the festival. Sign up to Volunteer Share this event + Add to Google Calendar + iCal / Outlook export We don't have any one-time events scheduled at the moment, but there are always ways to support our students! To learn about current needs or upcoming opportunities, please contact us at 510.836.5100 or [email protected]. Past Events Volunteer Calendar Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Newsletter - Children Rising Newsletter - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Winter 2026 Newsletter This issue features stories of calling, care, and community—showing how tutoring, family support, and partnership help Oakland children rise. OR Read the newsletter on our blog here! Join more than 750 supporters who receive inspiring emails about our kids success and ways to support their work in school. Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donate Main - Children Rising Donate Main - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Your gift today will provide a caring tutor and family support for a child! Questions Is this donation tax deductible? Children Rising is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. Tax ID-94-3403801 What is your Tax ID number? Tax ID-94-3403801 How do I make a gift of stock? To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. To make a gift of stock through your DAF, please contact your plan administrator, who will make the process fast and easy for you. Our Tax ID number is 94-3403801. What is planned giving? Leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts have a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. For more information contact Chelsea Boniak at (510) 836-5100. Can I donate IRA distributions tax free? Donate your IRA distributions to charity tax free. Retirees typically need to pay income tax on withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts. However, retirees ages 70 1/2 or older who directly transfer their IRA withdrawals of up to $100,000 to a qualified charity will not owe income tax on the distribution. Consult with your accountant. More info at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-distributions-withdrawals Can my employer match my gift? Many corporations match employee donations to our organization. To see if your employer matches, contact them directly for more information. Can I donate my vehicle to Children Rising? Yes, Children Rising is registered with and can accept vehicle donations through Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). Click here to learn more Can I make a gift from my DAF on your website? Absolutely! DAFPay is an easy and secure way to recommend a gift to Children Rising directly on our donate form. For more details, check out our DAF page . Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer Opportunities - Children Rising Volunteer Opportunities - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Opportunities There are many ways to show up for children and families. Find the volunteer role that fits your schedule and strengths. Opportunities are organized by program and reflect Children Rising's Circle of Care — from weekly tutoring to one-time projects and ongoing roles that support children and families throughout the school year. Click a role to learn more and get started. Tutor a Child (Reading or Math) Program: Path2Math and Succeeding by Reading Time commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week. Apply Today Family Engagement Coordinators Program: FamilyBridge Time commitment: About 2 hours per week Do you believe families are essential partners in a child’s academic success? Join us as a Family Engagement Coordinator and help bridge learning between school, tutoring clinics, and home. In this meaningful volunteer role, you’ll support 2nd and 3rd-grade students as they work to strengthen their reading and math skills. By partnering with parents, tutors, and teachers, you’ll help ensure families feel informed, encouraged, and equipped to support learning at home. View Role Details Parent Outreach Liaisons Program: FamilyBridge Time commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours per week When families feel informed and welcomed, parents become active partners in learning, and children are more likely to show up, stay engaged, and thrive. Help us strengthen communication with families and ensure every child receives the support they need. Parent Outreach Liaisons provide an important connection between our program and families by reaching out to parents who may need additional follow-up beyond text communication. View Role Details Digital Newsletter Content Creators Program: FamilyBridge Time commitment: Approximately 2-4 hours per week Consistent, uplifting communication builds momentum and helps turn a program into a community. Join us in telling our story and strengthening communication across our community. The Digital Newsletter Content Creator supports both internal and external communications by helping develop, design, and distribute engaging newsletter content that highlights program updates, impact stories, and important program information. View Role Details Family Learning Series Co-Producers Program: FamilyBridge Time commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week Families thrive when they’re welcomed, equipped, and reminded they’re not alone in supporting their child’s learning. Help us create engaging, impactful learning experiences for parents and caregivers. The Family Learning Series Co-Producer supports the FamilyBridge team in planning and hosting high-quality, interactive Zoom coaching sessions. These monthly sessions are designed to deliver practical tips, encouragement, and meaningful connection — all within a short, accessible format for busy families. View Role Details In-Home Learning Resource Coordinators (Content Lead) Program: FamilyBridge Time commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week Learning sticks when families have the right tools at home—simple, clear resources that match what children are working on in school and tutoring. Help ensure families have the tools they need to support learning at home. The In-Home Learning Resource Coordinator supports the development and distribution of high-quality learning materials aligned with classroom instruction and intervention programs. This role helps bridge school, tutoring, and home learning by ensuring resources are organized, accessible, and engaging for families. View Role Details One-Time Service Projects Project-Based Volunteering, When It Fits Your Schedule Time commitment: Varies depending on the project. We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available. Volunteer Calendar Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Who We Are - Children Rising Who We Are - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Who We Are Every young child deserves a fair chance to succeed in school… and in life. Children Rising is an education nonprofit founded in 2001 in partnership with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), devoted to ensuring that every young child gets a fair chance to learn in school and succeed in life. Educational inequity is a long-term social injustice impacting children in low-income neighborhoods throughout the East Bay. Children are systematically locked out of opportunity due to their zip code. Historically, these eager-to-learn children are not provided enough of the right resources to give them a fair chance to succeed in school. Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We concentrate our efforts on three programs that provide individualized reading and math support from trained, caring volunteer tutors and support for families of children enrolled in our programs. Today, with over 200 trained tutors and mentors from church congregations and diverse community and business partners, we provide elementary school children one-on-one literacy, math and after-school homework support in the most in-need elementary schools. What we do Our Mission To nurture and equip children to rise above the challenges created by generations of poverty, violence, and educational inequity. Our Vision Every struggling child is reached by a caring community at a critical time in their life to nurture hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive. How is Children Rising enabling struggling students to thrive? Learn More Our Values Faith We are inspired by our faith to act on behalf of those struggling from the effects of poverty and violence in our community. Just as faith without works is dead, our faith in action is a non-proselytizing, outward manifestation of a whole and harmonious relationship with God and with our neighbors. Seasoned by grace through prayer, our acts work for the Shalom of the city – its health, welfare, and prosperity. The City We believe there is something wonderful about the East Bay – this “city” where God has placed us. We are proud of the East Bay’s vibrant history, cultural significance and achievements, and the tenacity of our diverse people to not just survive, but thrive. We recognize the people of this city – from lifelong residents to newcomers – hunger for a future of equal opportunity and prosperity. We believe in our city and seek to work with other individuals, organizations, and institutions in our community to fight for our children’s futures so that the East Bay is a beacon of hope and light for the rest of the nation. The Oppressed We recognize God’s unyielding concern for the vulnerable, and affirm the dignity and sanctity of all persons because we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. We seek to open doors of learning and opportunity for children most impacted by poverty, violence, and educational inequity, regardless of their family’s economic status, education level, immigration status, nationality, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or zip code. Educational Equity We dream of a community where all children have access to resources they need to succeed, both academically and in life. In schools just a few miles away, there is a world of difference in achievement and opportunity. We value educational equity, where every student is provided not only equal resources, but also the caring attention and additional resources to catch up, succeed, and close the achievement gap. Relationship Following divine precedent, we believe deep and caring relationship is vital. From tutoring to nurturing volunteers to working with community partners, we value relationship in all aspects of our work. We believe heartfelt relationship between tutor and student accelerates the learning process. Whatever the academic gain – great or little – a child is empowered by the knowledge they are worth the time of a caring community and therefore matter greatly to all. We prioritize cultivating strong relationship with volunteers, schools, community organizations, businesses, and congregations of all faiths because we know all want to serve the children in our city; and it is only by working alongside one another that we will have the greatest impact. Servanthood The ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah wrote of a servant who, “Will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench…” Guided by the example of this humble servant, we seek to address inequity in the service of justice. Our work proceeds quietly, person-to-person, as we encourage and equip children and youth to discover and develop their unique gifts and potential…like acorns growing into mighty oaks. “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert C. Field, Tutor Meet Our Team Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. History of Children Rising - Children Rising History of Children Rising - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results The History of Children Rising Empowering Communities to Empower Children to Rise Above Children Rising started with a simple challenge to Oakland clergy from Dennis Chaconas, then-Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District: “We need you and your congregations to adopt a neighborhood school!” Randy Roth, senior pastor of First Covenant Church in Oakland, heard that message in 2000 and took the challenge to heart. With a leap of faith, Randy left the pastoral ministry and moved into uncharted waters. His vision was based on Jeremiah 29:7 – “Seek the shalom of the city where I have sent you and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its shalom you will find your shalom.” Shalom means more than just peace. It describes a whole and harmonious relationship with God and with our neighbors, as we act on our faith for the health, welfare, and prosperity of the community . Within a year Faith Network of the East Bay, Inc. was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation. The goal? Empowering communities to teach, mentor, and nourish our neighborhood children so they may develop academic and life skills to realize their God-given potential. A Community Enablement Model Rises To Meet the Challenge Randy was led by a spirit of servanthood and community enablement. As he met with school leaders, his first instinct was to ask: What do you need from us? We are here to serve. On September 13, 2001 – two days after the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack – Randy and then-board chair Jon Blankmeyer met with Burbank Elementary School Principal Roberta Teller. Ms. Teller greeted them with warm hugs, saying “I want my school to be a safe place.” She hoped that we could provide something to heal and calm the school staff and teachers. “All the energy is going out, but nothing is coming in,” she explained. Randy had to admit to Ms. Teller that she and her staff were going to be guinea pigs, since Burbank would be our pilot program. She laughed and said she was game to try out this new relationship. By mid-October, thanks to volunteers from four nearby churches, support was being provided by way of 1) Classroom Tutoring, 2) Playground Supervision, 3) Teacher Appreciation, 4) ESL Classes for Parents. Over time, we got really good at first listening, and then providing programs that reach these enthusiastic, eager children at a critical time in their lives. An engaged, caring adult demonstrates to these eager children and youth that they matter, and that someone is in their corner rooting for them. Although they face hurdles, they have a much fairer chance they so richly deserve for success in school and beyond. Promising Children, Rising Above Today, Children Rising is poised to make a generational impact in our community. We are a network of 200 tutors, 20 congregations, 25 diverse community partners, and three evidence-based programs. Establishing this strong foundation of community service makes it possible for us to make a substantial difference in many more lives each year. In September of 2018, we launched a 4-year initiative with a goal to have 1,000 trained, equipped, and coached tutors transforming the lives of children and youth attending under-resourced public schools most affected by poverty, violence, and educational inequity. More importantly, we will be able to come alongside 2,000 children and youth at a critical time in their life to nurture hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive. How a community nurtures eager children and youth to rise to their God-given potential Learn More “It gives me great joy to contribute to a cause which is inspired and propelled by the Lord. Children Rising is a blessed organization, which brings hope, skills, and empowerment to so many young people and their families. Thank you for the wonderful work you, your staff, and volunteers continue to do in Oakland. You have developed programs that WORK, and that is really something.” – Amy, Children Rising Volunteer Want to hear from our students, schools, and volunteers? Testimonials Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Other Ways To Give - Children Rising Other Ways To Give - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Other Ways to Give There are many ways to empower a promising child or an ambitious youth through your time, talent and financial resources. We know that there are many seasons in life. In each, we have different gifts to bring to our community. Please consider different ways you can help a promising child or youth rise to their God-given potential. Donor Advised funds We now can accept Donor-Advised Funds on our donation page through DAFpay . DAFpay is a platform that allows you to easily and efficiently recommend grants to Children Rising from your DAF. To give this way, go to our donate page, enter the amount that you want to give, click donate, and then click on DAFpay. Make a DAF gift to Children Rising today! Tax ID 94-3403801 Checks Please make checks payable to Children Rising, and mail to Children Rising, 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412, Oakland CA 94612 Monthly Giving Please consider joining the Oakland LAMPs (literacy and reading partners) by setting up recurring donations on a monthly or quarterly basis. It’s easy to do and automates your donation. Just as importantly, monthly and quarterly donors make it easier for Children Rising to plan financially throughout the year. Click here to visit the Oakland LAMPs page and setup a recurring gift today. Stock Donation If you’re looking for a tax-smart way to leave your legacy, consider a gift of stock. When you give appreciated stock that you’ve owned for more than one year, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction when you itemize. To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. Personal Fundraiser on Facebook Many people like to share their passion for the kids with family and friends. Peer-to-peer fundraising on Facebook is a simple way for you to support Children Rising while celebrating a milestone like your birthday. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for you to share with your family and friends why the kids in your community are so important to you. And Facebook makes it super easy! To learn how to create your own Facebook fundraising page, click here. Legacy Giving Legacy giving is your way to leave a planned future gift by designating part of your individual estate to Children Rising. You can leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts allow you to enjoy the benefits of smart financial planning while also creating a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. Click here to learn more about legacy giving and the Children Rising Legacy Circle. Employer Matching Many corporations match employee donations to charitable organizations like Children Rising. Ask your employer if they will match your gift today! Vehicle Donation Children Rising is registered with and can accept vehicle donations through Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). For more information, click HERE. Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsoring our annual gala is a great opportunity to invest in the next generation and make a difference in your community. You will also benefit from: • Brand exposure to the 1,300 supporters of Children Rising through our newsletter and event website. • Links to your website from our sponsorship page • Special mentions and recognition during our Live event For more information, contact Chelsea Boniak , Director of Development. All donations are tax deductible Tax ID Number: 94-3403801 Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Supporters - Children Rising Supporters - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Supporters Thank You to all of our donors, foundations, faith communities, and corporate and community partners. Make your monthly gift today! Donation totals are cumulative between 2019 – 2023 *denotes donor has been giving more than 5 years. $250,000+ The Ahlsten Foundation* The Beaver Foundation* $100,000 – $249,999 Cisco Foundation First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley* Lowell Berry Foundation* Rich and Barbara Thompson* We Raise Foundation* Kirby and Amy Wilcox * $50,000 – $99,999 Albertsons Companies Foundation * Bill and Nancy Branagh * The Callison Foundation * Fleishhacker Foundation * Julie Knell * Mary and Terry MacRae * Pacific Galvanizing, Inc * Piedmont Community Church * Rogers Family Foundation * The Stocker Foundation * David and Robin Sweet * Younger Family Fund * $25,000 – $49,999 Tom and Diane Branagh * Children’s Support League of the East Bay * The Clorox Company Foundation Fund * Ginger and Ryan Dole * Kathy H Drake * Kerry and Leila Gough * Jim Holst * Don and Karyn Kintzer * James and Kathryn Lee * Eric and Jackie Mowat * Pacific Galvanizing, Inc * Mark and Joanne Perra * Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation * The Stocker Foundation * David and Robin Sweet * Younger Family Fund $10,000 – $24,999 The Barrios Trust * Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation Branagh Inc.* California Bank of Commerce Caterpillar Foundation Children’s Support League of the East Bay * Bob and Merrie Dillow Dan and Joanna Gilbrech * Jim and Lynda Hampton * Charlotte Martinez Karen McGuinn Chris Nichols and Carol Fox * Jon and Nancy Norman * Laurel and Gerald Przybylski * Scott and Lou Ann Roth * Steve and Phyllis Rowell * Andrew Sevier Dick and Janet Sheehy * Bill and Lynn Simpson * Daniel M Singer Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Inc * Union Bank * Jim and Sophia Wambach * Y & H Soda Foundation * Gary Yee * $5,000 – $9,999 Christopher Avery Robert Baeyen Jonathan Becker and Virginia Watkins Doug and Lauren Bockmiller * Chris and Chelsea Boniak* Larry and Betsy Brassea* The Bridge Museum Inc. CAVU Wealth Advisors, LLC* Convergence Covenant Church* Walt and Jean Crockett* Pam Curtis* Cutter & Company, Inc Phillippe and Martha Daniel* Gary Depolo* Alfred Dossa* Stephen and Shirley Easton* Scott and Debi Fitzgerrell Generosity Bay Area Kimball and Theodora Hamilton* Steve and Linda Hawkins* Janet Howland* Ron and Ann Kihara* Fred and Robbin Kroger* Wilson Leong* Jan Lewis* Tom and Holly Love* Jonathan and Varetta Mayes* Jeff and Linda McClain* Xavier Naville and Jane Lee Sarah Rogerson Passard* PG&E Corporation* Steve and Svetlana Robinson* Ann Rosenberg Rotary Club of Orinda Randy Roth* David and Jen Roth* The San Francisco Foundation* David and Charmaine Shen* Marilyn and Lee Snider* Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church* The William H. Donner Foundation John and Rose Woo* Janet Zovickian* $2,500 – $4,999 Richard & Carlene Anderson Scott and Miho Armacost* Teri Barr and Charles Stewart Brett Bartscherer Eric Behrens and Joyce Hicks* Jeff and Jocelyne Birren* David and Pat Bleckley* Willie and Carmen Bogan* Brenda Boudreaux* Bill and Jennifer Brandenburg* Dennis and Susan Burke* Virginia Burns* Bob and Kay Cheatham Martha & Shengyang Chiu Jeff and Laura Chou* John and Susan Cortis* Chris and Marie Corwin* Curtis and Janice Crum* David & Susan Martin Foundation Lowell and Judith Dawson* Henrietta and Ronald Eric Fabio Nikola Filby* Bill and Janice Ghirardelli* David and Lucia Gill* Steven Goodwin* Jan and Kent Gordon* Carolyn Hendsch* Betty Lou Huppert* Katharine Johnson* Larry and Joan Johnson* Dan and Sylvia Johnson* Pastor Joseph Jones The Joseph Foundation Inc.* April Joseph* Tom and Sherry Kaetzel* Kaiser Permanente* Sally and Charles Klinedinst* Dean and Claire Koenig* Ed and Ingrid Koo* Young and Yasaman Lee Jennifer Lien* Bob Livsey* Manny and Paula Martinez* Bruce and Rita McIntosh Chip and Mary Miles Oakland Worship Center* The Oakland Athletics Community Fund Brenda M Paulin* Sarah Picker* The Presbytery of San Francisco* PwC* Anita and Jerry Ramlo* Greg and Sonjia Redmond* Robert and Carolyn Rickett* Kristen Noel Rooney Chris and Lyn Rudnicki* David Schuricht and Susan Kishi Gwen and Paul Stephens* Eric Steckel and Marissa Suarez* Summit Bank Donna Thayer* Gabe Togneri Roger Tong and Linda Safarik-Tong* Sally Van Etten and Lorenzo Bavoso* Ashley and Phil Verinsky* Liz J Willingham* Eric and Deborah Woychik* John and Dana Wu* Julie and Jerry Wu* Jean and Tom Zimmerman* $1,000 – $2,499 Nafeesa Ahmad-Bey* Carl Anderson* Angela Aquino and David Silver* Myron Backhaus Dan and Gail Baer* Jeff and Kathy Bairey* Glenn Ballard* Holly Bartscherer* Phil and Carolyn Bateman* Jon and Elaine Blankmeyer* Alan and Amy Bouris Ray Bowman* Gleoria Bradley-Sapp* Jeannette Brantley Melissa Buckley Sandy and Timothy Buscheck* Nicole and Peter Callis Jennifer Carreras* Garlin and Mayotis Cephas* Ben and Sophie Cheng* Richard and Debbie Cherry* Charles Bang and Selma Chin* Wesley and Keren Ong Chipeco Christ Church East Bay* Christ Episcopal Church Julie Clark* Esther Conrad John Coppinger Ginnie Daniel* Christopher V. Dodds and Mary Jane Dodds* David Dubbert Tyler and Ann Elliston* Michael and Catherine Farrar* Bev and David Farrell* Paul and Natalie Figueroa* Angela Frankel* Glenda Freberg* John and Marilyn Gage* Aliza and Noel Gallo* John and Sue Gallo Peter and Jessica Garaway* Herman and Ann Gilbert* Mary Elena Goodan Lisa and Glenn Hammill* Bronwyn Harris* Arlene and Larry Hatfield* Sandy Hearn* Matt and Janet Heath* Roger and Zoe Hill* John Holland Jeff and Kay Hollister* Will Holt and Ayyana Chakravartula* Arnold and Margaret Horwitz* Andy Huang and Elaine Tseng* Sallee Hudgens* Deborah Hurst Kevin and Michelle Hutcherson* IHS Resonance! Inspire Kidz Nina Johnson* Joann Johnson Bonnie Johnston Karen Jones Patricia Jones Elaine Chan and David Jung* Klaus and Freda Zietlow Charitable Fund Kelsey and Greg Kobayashi* Alan and Deborah Kropp* The Grubb Co. Mark and Janet Labberton Joan Laguatan Chris Lasack* Nathaniel and Sandra Lee Lawson* Cathy Leestma* Kimery Leong and Arj Balasingham Andy and Nancy Lewis* Kirk Long and Jennifer Selby Long* Al and Connie Loosli* Joe and Ginny Lorencz* Paul and Anna Loscutoff* William D. Lynch Foundation for Children* Kris and Cindy Lynds Doug Mayne* Michael and Mary McKenna* Jeffry Monson* Montclair Presbyterian Church* Janet Glasgow Mulshine* Bill and Judy Norton* Oakland Literacy Coalition Oakland Worship Center* JR and Amy Orton* Katie Otis* Francisco Ovalle Martinez Chris and Diane Penn* Doug and Robin Person* Reto and Wendy Peter* Vern and Pat Phillips* Terry and Lisa Pickett* Megan Pillsbury Paul and Carolyn Piraino* John Pomidor Ray’s Electric Taiko Roskothen Larry Ruff* Sherry Sank Mark Schlig Ray and Bev Schmidt* Connie and Art Schroe Giving Gatherings - Children Rising Giving Gatherings - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results About Giving Gatherings Hope for Children Now Giving Gatherings are your opportunity to discover the power of your gifts! How your generosity helps struggling children learn reading and math and rise to their God-given potential ! Giving Gatherings are a series of three small, intimate events hosted in the homes of Children Rising supporters throughout Oakland and the East Bay. Meet and fellowship with caring members of the Children Rising family. Please join us for a two-hour gathering with delicious food, engaging conversation, and inspiring stories about our kids. Meet the children’s “Circle of Care” You will hear stories of children and families in Children Rising programs. Be inspired by their circle of care —the loving parents and caregivers, caring tutors, and passionate educators—who are working every day to help children rise above the everyday challenges they face in school. Indulge in fine food and drink. Enjoy a delectable spread of small bites and refreshments as you fellowship with your fellow Children Rising family. An Invitation to Give Discover the power of your gift! Your generosity will help provide a child with a one-on-one tutor, in-home learning tools, and family support so they can learn reading and math. You will give them a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life. Dates and Locations Saturday, May 2nd 4 – 6:00 p.m. Danville Hosted by John and Jeanne Cooney Closed Saturday, May 9th 4 – 6:00 p.m. Oakland Hosted by Jeff and Linda McClain Closed Saturday, May 16th 4 – 6:00 p.m. Moraga Hosted by Ted and Beth Streeter RSVP Can’t attend? Make a gift today! “Last night’s event was lovely and I enjoyed reconnecting with everyone as well. The hosts were so generous with their home which was a lovely setting for the event.” – Joyce Hicks, longtime Children Rising supporter. Click here for sponsorship information Yes, I want to support the circle of care! Thank you to our generous Sponsors! $15,000 Level Dave and Robin Sweet   $10,000 Level Kathy Drake Jim Holst Julie Knell Carl and Judy Moore   $5,000 Level Mark and Joanne Perra   $3,000 Level Don and Karyn Kintzer Linda Safarik-Tong and Roger Tong Richard and Janet Sheehy Gabe Togneri and Pat Thompson   $1,500 – 2,000 Level Jonathan and Varetta Mayes Jeff and Linda McClain Pacific Galvanzing Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Path2Math - Children Rising Path2Math - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results How can you help an aspiring student learn math skills for life? Personalized tutoring in 2nd grade can make all the difference! Elementary-school math skills are critical for learning advanced math concepts in middle school and beyond. And yet so many children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods do not have a fair opportunity to understand numbers and learn basic math skills. Path2Math, co-developed with OUSD math specialists in 2018 and based on the common core math curriculum, builds functional numeracy skills and critical reasoning ability. Second through fifth-grade Children in Path2Math receive one-on-one numeracy tutoring that combines a caring relationship with a personalized learning strategy. Each child referred to the program is paired with a dedicated volunteer tutor for the entire academic year. A meaningful, caring relationship between the tutor and child almost always develops. This is essential to the overall experience and promotes learning and critical social-emotional development. I want to give a child to a fairer chance of succeeding in school and… in life! Volunteer Opportunities Apply Now Path2Math makes it easy for you to nurture and equip a child eager to learn math! Children Rising programs are successful because we train and coach our volunteer tutors every step of the way. You don’t need to be an educator or skilled mathematician. You just need to be willing to come alongside a child eager to learn, who needs some personal attention by a caring adult to support their efforts to learn. We provide you with everything you need to make a profound difference in the life of a young child. Introducing Path2Math Anywhere! In close collaboration with our partner elementary schools, we have incorporated online tutoring into our proven interventional tutoring programs along with in-person tutoring. We are excited about this new functionality as it will allow a wider range of community members to get involved and help more children reach grade level in their math skills. Learn more here Volunteer Opportunities Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donor Advised Funds - Children Rising Donor Advised Funds - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Purposeful Tax-smart Giving Through Your Donor-Advised Fund Gifts That Help Children and Advance Educational Equity Give a DAF Gift Today See instructions below You can bring purpose and intention to your charitable giving by making the most of your donor-advised fund (DAF). You understand the power of aligning your wealth with your values. By making a gift to Children Rising, you support equitable, community-based solutions that uplift children in under-resourced Oakland schools. Children Rising’s circle of care approach provides critical early childhood reading and math tutoring, as well as family engagement—foundations for lifelong success. Your generosity helps ensure that every young child has a fairer chance to succeed in school and life. We now can accept Donor-Advised Funds on our donation page through DAFpay. DAFpay is a platform that allows you to easily and efficiently recommend grants to Children Rising from your DAF. To give through DAFpay: 1. Select an amount that you want to give on the right or click “other” to enter a custom amount 2. Click Donate Today 3. Then click on DAFpay to make a gift directly from your donor-advised fund. Tax ID 94-3403801 Questions? Email [email protected] Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Children Rising News & Events | Leadership Updates Children Rising News & Events | Leadership Updates (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Newsroom Welcome to our online newsroom. We offer the latest news and information as we connect communities with opportunities to work for the health, welfare and prosperity of youth in the East Bay. Recent News Children Rising Appoints Bronwyn Harris Community Engagement Manager Noted educator and author to bolster community support for underfunded schools Oakland, Calif. – September 24, 2019 – Children Rising, a highly effective nonprofit educational agency founded in 2001, today announced the appointment of Bronwyn Harris as its first community engagement manager, a key post in the agency’s updated four-year strategic plan and major rebranding. Launched in October 2018, the agency’s projected goal is to recruit, train and support 1,000 volunteers who can assist 2,000 students each year by 2022. The new post will be charged with developing community awareness about the vulnerable children in the East Bay and expanding partnerships with faith communities, service groups and local businesses. The goal is to reach an increasing number of caring adults eager to volunteer their time and talent to tutor struggling children and provide an equal opportunity for success. Harris has a long history with Children Rising. While serving as an elementary school teacher in East Oakland, her students were some of the first to receive assistance from Children Rising. After leaving the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), she wrote “Literally Unbelievable: Stories from an East Oakland Classroom,” an insightful book published in 2016. Children Rising now has over 200 dedicated volunteers, 20 congregations and 25 diverse community partners. The agency currently serves over 400 students in 36 under-resourced public schools annually. Four targeted programs provide personalized tutoring, mentoring and other learning resources to children in East Bay public schools most affected by poverty, violence and educational inequity. The four-year initiative was created to address the approximately 1,800 OUSD second graders who begin each school year substantially deficient in basic reading and math skills. Without some extra personal attention and academic support, these children are severely challenged to keep up with their peers in third grade and beyond. “Bronwyn has a deep understanding of problems facing the students and schools we serve,” said Jim Wambach, executive director. “Despite the profound difference we are making in the lives of hundreds of children each year, there is so much more we would like to do. Her empathy and ability to communicate this important message to a broader community will help us accelerate our progress.” Children Rising empowers struggling children to rise above the challenges they face as a result of scarcity of resources and extraordinary socio-economic circumstances. They do this by first raising awareness and rallying community support for the most vulnerable neighborhood children. The staff then trains and supports volunteers to teach and mentor young students so they may develop academic and life skills to rise to their potential. “In order to quickly serve thousands of additional children, we need caring adults to understand how easy it is to be an essential part of the solution,” explains Harris. “The Children Rising volunteer programs are incredibly successful because we train, support and coach amazing volunteers to become highly competent tutors, who consistently make a meaningful difference, one child at a time.” About Children Rising Children Rising is an Oakland-based 501C(3) non-profit organization founded in 2001. The agency helps children attending public schools most affected by poverty, violence and educational inequity by raising awareness and rallying community support for their needs; and by galvanizing and guiding volunteers to teach, mentor, and nourish the children so they may develop academic and life skills to realize their God-given potential. Children Rising offers an array of services to 36 under-resourced public schools in four program areas – CareerBridge , Health4Kids , Path2Math , and Succeeding by Reading . More information can be found at www.Children-Rising.org . # # # CONTACT: Children Rising: Eric Steckel E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 415-944-8988   Faith Network of the East Bay Updates Brand to Children Rising New name and logo reflects scalable programs with increasing impact on vulnerable children Oakland, Calif. – August 8, 2019 – Faith Network of the East Bay , a highly effective nonprofit educational agency founded in 2001, today announced a major rebranding to Children Rising. The new name and logo emphasize the agency’s progress: proficient, focused, and scalable programs, with the projected goal of enabling 1,000 volunteers who can assist 2,000 students by 2022. Children Rising now has over 200 volunteers, 20 congregations and 25 diverse community partners. The agency currently serves over 400 students in 36 under-resourced public schools annually. Four targeted programs provide personalized tutoring, mentoring and other learning resources to children in East Bay public schools most affected by poverty, violence and educational inequity. The rebranding initiative coincides with a recent four-year strategic plan, launched in October 2018. The plan was created to address the approximately 1,800 Oakland Unified School District second graders who complete each school year substantially deficient in foundational reading and math skills and are severely challenged to keep up with their peers in third grade and beyond. “We have the opportunity to help make a generational change in our East Bay communities,” said Jim Wambach, executive director. “Despite the profound difference we are currently making in the lives of hundreds of children each year, there is so much more we would like to do to provide fair and equitable opportunities for the children in our community schools.” Children Rising empowers struggling children to rise above the challenges they face as a result of scarcity of resources and extraordinary socio-economic circumstances beyond their control. We do this by first raising awareness and rallying community support for our most vulnerable neighborhood children. Our staff then trains and supports volunteers to teach and mentor young students so they may develop academic and life skills to rise to their potential. “True to our roots, we remain faith inspired and believe in the power of engaging the entire community to become a network of support for educators in our local schools,” said Jim Wambach, executive director. “In order to serve thousands of more children, more quickly, we believe our name should clearly speak to our passion and mission of empowering vulnerable chil Monthly Giving - Children Rising Monthly Giving - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Help Children Rise-Month After Month Your sustained gifts will help provide children with a caring one-on-one tutor throughout the school year. Through a circle of care approach, Children Rising programs surround children and families with deeper academic support so they can learn what is needed to become confident, engaged students. When you give monthly your sustained support can be easier for your budget and ours! And it will help children rise to their God-given potential. “Community partners are the oil that supports the machine we’re running. Having one-on-one support from a tutor helps the student go back to the classroom better able to learn.” – Alex Brandenburg, principal, Garfield Elementary School Give monthly today! Oakland LAMPS Since Children Rising’s founding in 2001, our tutors have worked one-on-one with an eager child, month after month, throughout the school year, providing sustained, nurturing support. Like them, Oakland LAMPS provide sustained support so children receive the care they need to become lifelong learners, each and every month. In that time, 70% of children who received 20 or more tutoring sessions advanced two or more grade levels in reading and math. The Oakland LAMPS— L iteracy a nd M ath P artners—are passionate supporters who provide hope and promise in our community through monthly giving. When you become a member of the Children Rising Oakland LAMPS, you create a stable environment where we can pair eager young learners with a caring adult. Joining the Oakland LAMPS is a special way for you to make a real impact on children and families in Oakland’s poorest neighborhoods. It’s an easy, no-hassle way to make a difference. It saves you time. It is easier to budget your giving throughout the year. It links you to other caring people like you who are doing good. Impact Levels The Gift of Empowering the Community $10/month Your gift will supply a tutor with the appropriate training, tools, and materials, enabling them to tutor two struggling children. The Gift of Literacy $25/month Your gift will equip a 2nd-grader with the necessary books and supplies to thrive in a full academic year of reading tutoring. The Gift of Family Engagement $50/month Your gift provides connected, wrap-around services, learning expertise, tools, and support for parents and caregivers so their children can thrive. The Gift of Numeracy $100/month Your gift will send a child their very own math tutor so they will develop math fluency and improve critical reasoning skills. Give monthly today! Want to mail in your monthly gift? Download form Membership Benefits $10/month Children Rising tote bag $25/month Magentic dry erase board and Children Rising tote bag. $50+/month Leather-bound journal, magnetic dry erase bord, and a Children Rising tote bag Members Monthly and Quarterly Nafeesa Ahmad-Bey • Stephanie Allen • Carl Anderson • Scott and Miho Armacost • Ron and Ginger Atkinson • Glenn Ballard • Bob Baeyen • Karen Bloomquist • Chris and Chelsea Boniak • Bill and Nancy Branagh • Jeannette Brantley • Larry and Betsy Brassea • Loretta Breuning • Ruth Brousseau • Chris and Marie Corwin • Walt and Jean Crockett • Curtis and Janice Crum • Lowell and Judith Dawson • Bob and Merrie Dillow • Ginger and Ryan Dole • Matt DuPlessis • Henrietta and Ronald Eric Fabio • Paul and Natalie Figueroa • First Covenant Church Oakland • Bill and Janice Ghirardelli • Gil and Ann Gilbert • Cheryl Gipson • Laurie Goldman and Joshua Rider • Jan Gordon • Jason Gorski • Darlene Hamady • Jim and Lynda Hampton • Larry and Arlene Hatfield • Joyce Hicks and Eric Behrens • Betty Huppert • Karen Hunt • Joann Johnson • Nina Johnson • Ron and Ann Kihara • Annette Knox • Kelsey Kobayashi • Chris Lasack • Wilson Leong • Jennifer Lien • Daniel Livsey and Mary Reed • Jim MacIlvaine • Charlotte Martinez • Glynis Mason • Jonathan and Varetta Mayes • Doug Mayne • Michael and Mary McKenna • Xanthy Michealsen • LK Monroe • Oakland Worship Center • Chris Nichols • Jon and Nancy Norman • Brenda Paulin • Sarah Picker • Laurel and Gerald Przybylski • Bruce and Margaret Qualls • Jonathan and Arlyn Ranillo • Rob and Carolyn Rickett • Steve and Svetlana Robinson • David and Jen Roth • David and Charmaine Shen • Bill and Lynn Simpson • Eric Steckel and Marissa Suarez • Nancy Steckel • Rich and Barbara Thompson • Ed and Stephanie Timmerman • Linda and Roger Tong • Sally Van Etten and Lorenzo Bavoso • Jim and Sophia Wambach • Judith Wilson • John and Rose Woo • John and Dana Wu • Garick Zillgitt • Jan Zovickian Choose your recurring gift amount EIN/tax ID number: 94-3403801 Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer Application Loading × Sorry to interrupt CSS Error Refresh Volunteer - Children Rising Volunteer - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Info “Children Rising cares so much about these kids that it invests the time and effort to train the tutors and provide us with tools to do a good job.” – Linda Hawkins, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) See how our tutors and students benefit from a one-on-one relationship. There are many opportunities for YOU to help a child rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising makes it simple. We invite YOU to join hundreds of volunteers who are nurturing and equipping students to rise above the challenges they face in school. Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people and groups to offer their time and talents to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life. We structure Children Rising programs so that it is easy for you to be effective immediately. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school children in reading and math, supporting family engagement activities, one-time and recurring projects, and events to reinforce Children Rising programs. Whether you are interested in tutoring or volunteering in a different capacity, we will coach and guide you along the way. Join us! The reward of helping a student succeed in school and grow in personal confidence as they reach their potential is priceless. PLEASE NOTE: We prefer all volunteer applicants reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have a familiarity with our East Bay community. I’m interested in becoming a tutor! Volunteer Opportunities Apply Today 5 things you should know about becoming a volunteer tutor 1. No experience is necessary! We provide training, all the materials, and coaching so that you can be effective immediately. 2. Tutoring clinics operate during school hours, Monday thru Friday, and are supported by Children Rising staff. Both morning and afternoon clinic times are available, but also dependent on school needs. Our reading program is conducted onsite in person, while our math program has both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. 3. You work with your students one-on-one. In a two-hour clinic, you tutor one student and then another student for 45 minutes each. We try to pair you with those students for the entire academic year. 4. There are several volunteer screening requirements. Schools require all volunteers who interact with children, whether it’s online or in person, to get a live scan background check. In-person tutors will also need to provide proof of negative TB status. 5. We ask that you commit to coming every week until clinics close in the spring. It is important to show up for your student each week. The children really count on it and look forward to seeing you! That being said, we recognize that life happens and you may need to miss some weeks for vacation or sick days. Just let us know ahead of time. Apply Today! Volunteer Opportunities: simple ways you can help a child reach their potential “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert Field, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) Children Rising offers many opportunities for you to connect with a student, inspiring hope, and the confidence to succeed. By sharing your time, you connect with a student, a school, and your community. Tutor a Child (Reading or Math) Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week. Format: Reading tutoring is currently in person only . Math tutoring offers in-person and some online opportunities . Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours Apply Today Ongoing Opportunities Be part of a caring circle that helps learning take root — at school and at home Children Rising’s Circle of Care supports children and families throughout the school year through caring relationships, tutoring, and practical tools that strengthen learning in reading and math. Ongoing volunteer roles run throughout the school year, and volunteers play a vital role by supporting family engagement and outreach, uplifting digital communications, Zoom learning experiences for caregivers, and creating ready-to-use learning resources that reinforce what students are working on in school and tutoring. Time Commitment: Most roles are about 2–4 hours per week (some closer to 2 hours/week). Find opportunities Apply Today One-Time Service Projects Project-based volunteering, when it fits your schedule We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available. Time Commitment: Varies depending on the project. Volunteer Calendar Apply Today Start volunteering With support and encouragement from our staff and fellow volunteers, you can start to make a difference in the lives of children and youth immediately! Yes, I want to give a child a fairer chance in school! Apply Today! Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Contact Us - Children Rising Contact Us - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Contact Us Connect with a child. Connect with a school. Connect with your community. Children Rising 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 836-5100 Fax: (510) 836-5105 Email: [email protected] Other Contacts General Inquiries Phone: (510) 836-5100 Email: [email protected] Press Inquiries Eric Steckel Phone: (510) 588-1821 Email: [email protected] Director of Development Chelsea Boniak Email: [email protected] Volunteer Opportunities Julia Melancon Email: [email protected] Meet Our Team Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. What We Do - Children Rising What We Do - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results What We Do Empowering children to rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. Through Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math interventional tutoring, we pair trained, caring adults from the community with elementary school children struggling to read or lacking basic math skills. And through FamilyBridge, we provide the families of children in our programs with after-school learning support, timely updates, and coaching so their children continue learning outside of the classroom. Easy ways to get involved How is Children Rising providing hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive? Nurturing Children in a Circle of Care Through a circle of care approach, Children Rising programs surround children with deeper academic support so they can more quickly catch up to grade-level reading and math skills and become confident, engaged students. The circle of care comprises our three targeted programs— Succeeding by Reading , Path2Math , and FamilyBridge —to support elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods and attending Oakland’s most under-resourced schools. Combined, the three programs give the children improved classroom engagement, self-confidence, and a fairer chance to achieve grade-level skills in reading and math as the year progresses. Developed in 2009, Succeeding by Reading provides one-on-one literacy tutoring during the school day utilizing Science of Reading principles so children build foundational literacy skills. Learn More Path2Math was co-developed with OUSD math specialists in 2018 based on the common core math curriculum. It provides one-on-one numeracy tutoring to children during the school day, building functional numeracy and critical reasoning skills. Learn More Launched in 2022, FamilyBridge partners with families whose children are enrolled in our tutoring programs. It provides one-on-one after-school learning support and coaches parents and guardians so they may further develop the skills and confidence needed to accelerate their child’s learning at home. Learn More “I think the one-on-one connection with the tutor, when they have a bond with them, or feel like the adult sees them for who they are, and all of their potential, then it just improves the child’s performance academically so much.” – Alexandra Brandenberg, second-grade Teacher, Garfield Elementary School Want to hear from our students, schools, and volunteers? Testimonials Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Contact Us - Children Rising Contact Us - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Contact Us Connect with a child. Connect with a school. Connect with your community. Children Rising 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: (510) 836-5100 Fax: (510) 836-5105 Email: [email protected] Other Contacts General Inquiries Phone: (510) 836-5100 Email: [email protected] Press Inquiries Eric Steckel Phone: (510) 588-1821 Email: [email protected] Director of Development Chelsea Boniak Email: [email protected] Volunteer Opportunities Julia Melancon Email: [email protected] Meet Our Team Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Stock Donation - Children Rising Stock Donation - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Make a tax-smart gift through a stock donation. Empower a child to rise to their God-given potential. You can bring intention to your charitable giving by making the most of tax-smart gifting strategies. There are two significant benefits to making a donation of stock to Children Rising, 1. When you donate the stock instead of selling it first, you can transfer the full value without incurring a tax liability. 2. More of your money can go towards supporting the children and families in your community. To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Where We Serve - Children Rising Where We Serve - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Where We Serve Since 2001, Children Rising has partnered with Oakland community schools, primarily Title 1 schools, to empower children and families to rise above the many challenges caused by pervasive educational inequity. Our vision is that every child is reached by a caring community at a critical time in their life to nurture hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive. Our programs, fueled by our innovative community enablement process, are uniquely targeted to support our local educators and the families of children attending schools in our lowest-income neighborhoods. Get to know some of our school partners! Sankofa United Elementary School Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Current Schools We Serve School Locations Brookfield Elementary School 401 Jones Ave, Oakland, CA 94603 Burckhalter Elementary School 3994 Burckhalter Ave, Oakland, CA 94605 Downer Elementary School 1231 18th St, San Pablo, CA 94806 Garfield Elementary School 1640 22nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 La Escuelita Elementary School 1050 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606 Laurel Elementary School 3750 Brown Ave, Oakland, CA 94619 Lockwood STEAM Academy 6701 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94621 Madison Park Academy Primary 470 El Paseo Drive, Oakland, CA 94603 MLK, Jr. Elementary School 960 10th St, Oakland, CA 94607 Prescott Elementary School 920 Campbell St, Oakland, CA 94607 Sankofa United Elementary School 581 61st St, Oakland, CA 94609 Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Staff Archive - Children Rising Staff Archive - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Staff Marshelle Wilburn Executive Director Marshelle Wilburn joins Children Rising with a deep care for children and a commitment to the nurturing support they need to learn and grow. With more than two decades of experience as an educator, nonprofit and faith-based leader, professional writer, speaker, and community advocate, her work is rooted in close partnerships with children, families, and communities across the Bay Area. Marshelle’s life has been shaped by a lifelong calling to serve children and support their learning and growth. At Children Rising, she embraces an approach that pairs students with caring adults who know them well and help build confidence, skills, and resilience that last beyond the classroom. With deep roots in the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Area, and as a parent whose children learned and grew in Oakland public and charter schools, Marshelle brings both personal insight and professional perspective to her leadership. Outside of work, she values time with her family, mentoring emerging leaders, writing, speaking, and remaining closely connected to the communities Children Rising serves Jim Wambach Strategic Advisor As Executive Director, Jim is responsible for guiding the overall growth and strategic development of Children Rising’s contributions to closing the achievement gap in urban public schools. He draws on his 35 years of corporate and nonprofit executive leadership experience, and a passion for helping to change the trajectory of young lives through improved education and enhanced community support. Jim, like everyone at Children Rising, begins every day knowing there are so many of our children and youth at a personal crossroad of promise and risk – smart and eager to learn, yet trying desperately to escape the cycle of poverty, education inequality and social injustice surrounding them. He is grateful for the opportunity to combine his passion for helping underserved children and youth with his years of successful business experience so Children Rising might empower as many of these children as possible. Jim is from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University. He moved to the Bay Area from the Midwest in 2001 and is married with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Chelsea Boniak Director of Development and Finance As Director of Development and Finance, Chelsea works to ensure the Children Rising programs are fully funded to provide as many children as possible with life changing support from the community. Chelsea has been with Children Rising since its early years and has truly been part of the fabric of the organization. In 2003 she contributed as an administrative assistant, which evolved over time to include event planning, fundraising, grant writing, donor cultivation, finance and human resources. Chelsea earned her sociology degree from UCLA, and is passionate about supporting the community by providing opportunities to invest in children and youth. She was raised, educated and still lives in Oakland with her husband and two children. Jeannette Brantley Succeeding by Reading Program Coordinator As a Program Coordinator in the Succeeding by Reading program, Jeannette is responsible for coordinating and hosting four weekly reading clinics at school sites with the OUSD. Jeannette draws on the skills gained from 25 plus years of a career in social service work and 15 years in secondary education, both of which serve her well in her current position as Program Coordinator with SbR. With a social work major with a minor in education, Jeannette's working life has been in the non-profit sector, working primarily with marginalized communities before transitioning into education. When not working at one of her school sites as a coordinator, Jeannette is an elder in her church and enjoys spending time with her church family and hiking some of the beautiful Bay Area hiking trails with friends, and spending time with her two beautiful granddaughters. Mayotis Cephas Path2Math Program Coordinator As Path2Math Program Coordinator, Mayotis is part of the team that oversees the tutor-friendly (presently) online curriculum that guides students to proficiency in the six strands of mathematics. Though she has retired from the classroom after 30 + years of instruction, teaching remains her passion. It is a privilege that she does not take lightly. Mayotis received her bachelor’s degree from Alderson-Broaddus College, then went on to earn a master’s in education from the University of Pittsburgh. Her great joy is seeing the a-ha moment for students. For 27 years, she taught at primary and intermediate levels with the Oakland Catholic Diocese. Even as she was planning her retirement, she knew she wanted to stay connected to educating youth. Children Rising provides that link between her love of teaching and the opportunity to point students toward success in math. Tai Dillard FamilyBridge Program Director Tai Dillard joined Children Rising as program director of our all-new FamilyBridge program. She brings to our community over 12 years of experience advocating for families and children. As a developmental specialist in Frisco, TX, she assessed children from birth to three years old for developmental delays and helped families navigate early intervention services. Like all of the Children Rising family, she is gratified to experience children light up academically. For several years, Tai served as a math tutor in underserved areas of Cobb County, Ga. She delights in the activation of potential as children gain confidence in literacy and numeracy and aspire to academic goals that once seemed elusive. Tai, a native of Columbus, OH, earned a B.A. in Foreign Languages and Economics from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. James MacIlvaine Program Coordinator Jim is proud to join the Children Rising team as a Succeeding by Reading Program Coordinator. For the past eight school years, Jim was found on Tuesday mornings working with first and second graders on improving their reading and comprehension as a SbR volunteer. Jim has also lent his talents as the Hope for Children Now gala emcee and auctioneer. Through his work at the City of Oakland, Jim has seen first-hand the importance of raising successful, confident students. He truly believes reading at, or above, grade level is the key foundation to becoming a prosperous member of society, creating the next generation of thoughtful, engaged individuals. Jim has lived in the East Bay since the age of four and currently resides in the Maxwell Park neighborhood of Oakland with his wife, Molly, and their silly dog, Cassie. Julia Melancon Succeeding by Reading Program Manager A life-long literacy advocate, Julia brings a rich background of cultural programming, fundraising, and nonprofit board leadership to her role as Succeeding by Reading Program Manager. Prio Blog - Children Rising Blog - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Blog A Circle of Care for a Challenging Time: Supporting Oakland Children and Families By Marshelle March 30, 2026 | Read More You help Oakland children thrive through a Circle of Care, which brings literacy support, mentoring, family engagement, and community partnership together. “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”—Coretta Scott King It is a privilege and responsibility to step into the role of Executive Director. I am […] Care When a Family Needed It Most By Eric Steckel March 26, 2026 | Read More With reading and math tutoring, Spanish-language updates, and FamilyBridge support, Alejandra’s family stayed informed, supported, and hopeful. When Astrid Fernandez got a message in Spanish about her fourth-grade daughter Alejandra’s progress, she felt something she hadn’t had in a while: relief. Astrid’s family moved from Petaluma to Oakland, so their young son could receive medical […] When Service Becomes a Calling By Eric Steckel March 24, 2026 | Read More A few hours a week as a tutor became something deeper—and led Julie Wu to a classroom of her own. Julie Wu didn’t set out to become a teacher. After years of working in the business finance world, she stepped away and became deeply involved in her children’s schools. When they moved into middle school, […] Marshelle Wilburn: A Welcome from New Children Rising Executive Director By Marshelle December 16, 2025 | Read More Stepping into leadership at Children Rising with gratitude, care, and a deep focus on children Dear Children Rising family, As I step into the role of executive director of Children Rising, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of purpose. This work brings me back to my first calling—walking alongside children as they […] Perspectives – Sustaining the Circle of Care By Jim Wambach September 11, 2025 | Read More Community AND Community Resources are Critical “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” – Helen Keller Throughout the school year, your gifts are helping children grow in confidence, in ability, and in their belief that they belong in school. As they grow academically, they also become more engaged in class—learning […] Ross Stores Foundation $30,000 Gift Helps Complete the Circle of Care By Chelsea Boniak September 1, 2025 | Read More Grant Fuels Interventional One-on-one Reading and Math Tutoring with Family Support Children Rising is thrilled to announce a second grant from the Ross Stores Foundation. Children Rising one-on-one tutoring programs align seamlessly with Ross Stores Foundation’s commitment “to building strong community relationships and making a meaningful impact on organizations supporting the educational journey of socioeconomically […] Building Bridges, Supporting Families, Completing the Circle of Care By Eric Steckel August 21, 2025 | Read More Your support unites home and school—nurturing the promise in every child. When families, schools, and the community come together, children thrive. That’s why FamilyBridge is at the heart of Children Rising’s Circle of Care. This nurturing network begins with the family, extends through the school, and is strengthened by our three programs: FamilyBridge, Path2Math, and […] Announcing My Retirement — A Personal Note from Jim Wambach By Jim Wambach July 14, 2025 | Read More Stepping away with gratitude, and looking forward with hope Dear Children Rising family, I am writing today to share some personal news. After much reflection, I have made the decision to retire and step down as Executive Director of Children Rising, effective December 31, 2025. This has not been an easy decision to make. Serving […] Working for the World: A Seventh Grader’s Impact By Eric Steckel June 12, 2025 | Read More Tzedakah in action: Timeless Values Guiding Local Change Children Rising is honored to receive a grant from Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School’s Avodah La’Olam program for the second year in a row. This inspiring educational initiative teaches seventh-grade students the Jewish value of Tzedakah—righteous giving—and empowers them to seek justice through meaningful philanthropy. I’m grateful […] Perspectives – Empowering Parents, Igniting Potential By Jim Wambach May 19, 2025 | Read More With your help, FamilyBridge breaks barriers and builds stronger home-school connections “The home is the first school, and parents are the first teachers. When parents and educators work together as a team, children thrive academically and emotionally.” For decades, the children in Oakland’s poorest neighborhood schools have lagged behind students in more affluent schools. And […] A Legacy of Language: A Bilingual Tutor Helped a Bright Young Reader Soar By Eric Steckel May 15, 2025 | Read More Your generosity helped Chiara work with a bilingual tutor and learn to read Something special happens when Vilma Morales sits down to read with Chiara. A Puerto Rican woman who grew up speaking Spanish at home and English at school, Vilma knows exactly what it feels like to bridge two worlds. Her ability to speak […] A Mother’s Love, Strengthened by a Circle of Care By Eric Steckel May 14, 2025 | Read More You’re helping parents like Monica become powerful partners in their children’s success. The moment Monica Henderson brought her daughter home—tiny, fragile, and born 16 weeks early—she knew she had to be her daughter’s fiercest advocate. “We call her Miracle because they say she’s a miracle baby. She weighed a pound and 15 ounces. She fought […] Children Rising Receives Cisco Foundation Regional Impact Grant to Expand Volunteer Management By Eric Steckel April 18, 2025 | Read More Expanding Volunteer Support Through Innovation and Community Partnership Children Rising is honored to announce that we have been awarded a Regional Solution Grant (RSG) from Cisco Foundation for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This grant will provide vital support for the development of a new Volunteer Management System, allowing us to better recruit, onboard, and support […] Perspectives – Why Math AND Reading Are Critical for Future Success By Jim Wambach March 17, 2025 | Read More Building Early Confidence and a Love for Numbers is Essential. A recent study from the Urban Institute underscores the significant impact of early math skills on an individual’s long-term earnings. Reading is a critical academic skill to acquire. However, as reported in an article by The 74, “Math achievement in adolescence is more strongly associated […] Jacob’s Journey: From Hesitant Reader to Confident Learner By Eric Steckel March 13, 2025 | Read More Your Generosity Helped Jacob Realize His Potential, Build Confidence, and Achieve New Milestones In Reading. Jacob’s transformation in Children Rising’ Testimonials - Children Rising Testimonials - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Testimonials Here are just a few of the acknowledgements we’ve received from volunteers, partners, staff and students who have participated in Children Rising’s programs. Get to know some of our church partners! First Covenant Church of Oakland Piedmont Community Church Learn more about becoming a church partner Get to know some of our school partners! Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Sankofa United Elementary School Learn more about becoming school partner Get to know some of our volunteers! Meet Richard Sheehy Meet Vilma Morales Learn more about tutoring today! What people are saying I can help a student reach their potential Volunteer Opportunities Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Who We Are - Children Rising Who We Are - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Who We Are Every young child deserves a fair chance to succeed in school… and in life. Children Rising is an education nonprofit founded in 2001 in partnership with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), devoted to ensuring that every young child gets a fair chance to learn in school and succeed in life. Educational inequity is a long-term social injustice impacting children in low-income neighborhoods throughout the East Bay. Children are systematically locked out of opportunity due to their zip code. Historically, these eager-to-learn children are not provided enough of the right resources to give them a fair chance to succeed in school. Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We concentrate our efforts on three programs that provide individualized reading and math support from trained, caring volunteer tutors and support for families of children enrolled in our programs. Today, with over 200 trained tutors and mentors from church congregations and diverse community and business partners, we provide elementary school children one-on-one literacy, math and after-school homework support in the most in-need elementary schools. What we do Our Mission To nurture and equip children to rise above the challenges created by generations of poverty, violence, and educational inequity. Our Vision Every struggling child is reached by a caring community at a critical time in their life to nurture hope, the courage to dream, and the opportunity to thrive. How is Children Rising enabling struggling students to thrive? Learn More Our Values Faith We are inspired by our faith to act on behalf of those struggling from the effects of poverty and violence in our community. Just as faith without works is dead, our faith in action is a non-proselytizing, outward manifestation of a whole and harmonious relationship with God and with our neighbors. Seasoned by grace through prayer, our acts work for the Shalom of the city – its health, welfare, and prosperity. The City We believe there is something wonderful about the East Bay – this “city” where God has placed us. We are proud of the East Bay’s vibrant history, cultural significance and achievements, and the tenacity of our diverse people to not just survive, but thrive. We recognize the people of this city – from lifelong residents to newcomers – hunger for a future of equal opportunity and prosperity. We believe in our city and seek to work with other individuals, organizations, and institutions in our community to fight for our children’s futures so that the East Bay is a beacon of hope and light for the rest of the nation. The Oppressed We recognize God’s unyielding concern for the vulnerable, and affirm the dignity and sanctity of all persons because we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. We seek to open doors of learning and opportunity for children most impacted by poverty, violence, and educational inequity, regardless of their family’s economic status, education level, immigration status, nationality, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or zip code. Educational Equity We dream of a community where all children have access to resources they need to succeed, both academically and in life. In schools just a few miles away, there is a world of difference in achievement and opportunity. We value educational equity, where every student is provided not only equal resources, but also the caring attention and additional resources to catch up, succeed, and close the achievement gap. Relationship Following divine precedent, we believe deep and caring relationship is vital. From tutoring to nurturing volunteers to working with community partners, we value relationship in all aspects of our work. We believe heartfelt relationship between tutor and student accelerates the learning process. Whatever the academic gain – great or little – a child is empowered by the knowledge they are worth the time of a caring community and therefore matter greatly to all. We prioritize cultivating strong relationship with volunteers, schools, community organizations, businesses, and congregations of all faiths because we know all want to serve the children in our city; and it is only by working alongside one another that we will have the greatest impact. Servanthood The ancient Hebrew prophet Isaiah wrote of a servant who, “Will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench…” Guided by the example of this humble servant, we seek to address inequity in the service of justice. Our work proceeds quietly, person-to-person, as we encourage and equip children and youth to discover and develop their unique gifts and potential…like acorns growing into mighty oaks. “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert C. Field, Tutor Meet Our Team Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donate Main - Children Rising Donate Main - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Your gift today will provide a caring tutor and family support for a child! Questions Is this donation tax deductible? Children Rising is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. Tax ID-94-3403801 What is your Tax ID number? Tax ID-94-3403801 How do I make a gift of stock? To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. To make a gift of stock through your DAF, please contact your plan administrator, who will make the process fast and easy for you. Our Tax ID number is 94-3403801. What is planned giving? Leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts have a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. For more information contact Chelsea Boniak at (510) 836-5100. Can I donate IRA distributions tax free? Donate your IRA distributions to charity tax free. Retirees typically need to pay income tax on withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts. However, retirees ages 70 1/2 or older who directly transfer their IRA withdrawals of up to $100,000 to a qualified charity will not owe income tax on the distribution. Consult with your accountant. More info at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-distributions-withdrawals Can my employer match my gift? Many corporations match employee donations to our organization. To see if your employer matches, contact them directly for more information. Can I donate my vehicle to Children Rising? Yes, Children Rising is registered with and can accept vehicle donations through Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). Click here to learn more Can I make a gift from my DAF on your website? Absolutely! DAFPay is an easy and secure way to recommend a gift to Children Rising directly on our donate form. For more details, check out our DAF page . Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Our Impact - Children Rising Our Impact - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Our Impact Tutoring at School. Follow-through at Home. Lasting Progress. Oakland children make their fastest gains when tutoring is consistent—and learning continues at home. At the heart is a trusted one-on-one relationship where tutors learn each child’s strengths and gaps. Children Rising delivers in-school reading and math tutoring, then links caregivers, tutors, and teachers through FamilyBridge so lessons carry into everyday learning. This year’s report shows how the school–home link creates a Circle of Care that helps steady tutoring become durable progress. 2024-25 Impact Report Nurturing Children in a Circle of Care Family engagement links home and school, so learning continues between sessions. It completes Children Rising’s Circle of Car e—bringing families, teachers, and one-on-one tutors around each child. When updates are clear and tools are simple, learning is reinforced at home, and progress is easier to sustain. 310 Students Enrolled 6,400 Tutor Hours 75 Families engaged through FamilyBridge Three Ways Children Rising Strengthens the School-Home Link. Reading + Math + Family Engagement = Student growth Programs work together with the student at the center. Foundations first, so class learning sticks Tutoring and home practice prepare students for what’s being taught in class. Multilingual, two-way updates — simple steps families can use tonight Encouraging, usable nudges families can use to increase learning. Looking Forward – Offering the Circle of Care for More Children Children Rising believes that pairing one-on-one tutoring with family coaching and strong school-community partnerships creates a unique “Circle of Care” around each child. We know of no other service model that combines all of these key, foundational support elements. Looking forward, tutoring remains at the center, while FamilyBridge extends learning to the home through quick, two-way updates families can use at home. This approach will expand monthly family reach and engagement, and lift tutoring attendance. We will also expand the school–home link after tutoring concludes. Coordination with educators, brief parental check-ins, learning materials, and community referrals will help families sustain gains beyond the tutoring program. Together, we aim to accelerate gains in foundational reading and math and grow the confidence struggling students need to learn what they need to learn while in elementary school. What We’ll Do Next 1. Path2Math so tutoring zeroes in on unfinished learning and positions students for what’s taught in class. 2. Equip families during—and after—tutoring. Reach more households each month with simple, at-home tools, coaching, and brief post-program check-ins so progress continues. 3. Remove barriers with partners. With schools and community allies, make it easier for families to access resources that support attendance, time, and learning materials. To accomplish this, we will diversify our revenue streams, deepen corporate, nonprofit, and faith partnerships, and strengthen our board’s representation and strategic capacity. Check out our past impact reports and financials Click here 990 Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer Calendar - Children Rising Volunteer Calendar - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Calendar Looking for a flexible way to make a difference? The Volunteer Calendar features regularly updated, one-time service opportunities that help Children Rising programs meet real-time needs. × Date Time Details + Add to My Calendar Looking for a more ongoing way to serve? Children Rising offers many volunteer roles that support children and families throughout the school year, from weekly tutoring to program support. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page to find the role that fits your schedule and strengths. More Volunteer Opportunities Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donate Main - Children Rising Donate Main - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Your gift today will provide a caring tutor and family support for a child! Questions Is this donation tax deductible? Children Rising is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. Tax ID-94-3403801 What is your Tax ID number? Tax ID-94-3403801 How do I make a gift of stock? To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. To make a gift of stock through your DAF, please contact your plan administrator, who will make the process fast and easy for you. Our Tax ID number is 94-3403801. What is planned giving? Leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts have a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. For more information contact Chelsea Boniak at (510) 836-5100. Can I donate IRA distributions tax free? Donate your IRA distributions to charity tax free. Retirees typically need to pay income tax on withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts. However, retirees ages 70 1/2 or older who directly transfer their IRA withdrawals of up to $100,000 to a qualified charity will not owe income tax on the distribution. Consult with your accountant. More info at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-distributions-withdrawals Can my employer match my gift? Many corporations match employee donations to our organization. To see if your employer matches, contact them directly for more information. Can I donate my vehicle to Children Rising? Yes, Children Rising is registered with and can accept vehicle donations through Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). Click here to learn more Can I make a gift from my DAF on your website? Absolutely! DAFPay is an easy and secure way to recommend a gift to Children Rising directly on our donate form. For more details, check out our DAF page . Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Donate Main - Children Rising Donate Main - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Your gift today will provide a caring tutor and family support for a child! Questions Is this donation tax deductible? Children Rising is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation. Tax ID-94-3403801 What is your Tax ID number? Tax ID-94-3403801 How do I make a gift of stock? To make a gift of stock directly to Children Rising, email [email protected] for our brokerage account information. To make a gift of stock through your DAF, please contact your plan administrator, who will make the process fast and easy for you. Our Tax ID number is 94-3403801. What is planned giving? Leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts have a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. For more information contact Chelsea Boniak at (510) 836-5100. Can I donate IRA distributions tax free? Donate your IRA distributions to charity tax free. Retirees typically need to pay income tax on withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts. However, retirees ages 70 1/2 or older who directly transfer their IRA withdrawals of up to $100,000 to a qualified charity will not owe income tax on the distribution. Consult with your accountant. More info at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-iras-distributions-withdrawals Can my employer match my gift? Many corporations match employee donations to our organization. To see if your employer matches, contact them directly for more information. Can I donate my vehicle to Children Rising? Yes, Children Rising is registered with and can accept vehicle donations through Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). Click here to learn more Can I make a gift from my DAF on your website? Absolutely! DAFPay is an easy and secure way to recommend a gift to Children Rising directly on our donate form. For more details, check out our DAF page . Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Succeeding by Reading - Children Rising Succeeding by Reading - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results The secret to closing the academic achievement gap? Helping a student learn to read… so they can read to learn. Reading is at the heart of all learning. A child must learn to read so that they can read to learn. And yet so many children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods cannot read, or are significantly behind their expected grade level. Developed in 2009, Succeeding by Reading utilizes Science of Reading principles to build foundational literacy skills. Second and third-grade Children in Succeeding by Reading receive one-on-one literacy tutoring that combines a caring relationship with a personalized learning strategy. Each child referred to the program is paired with a dedicated volunteer tutor for the entire academic year. A meaningful, caring relationship between the tutor and child almost always develops. This is essential to the overall experience and promotes learning and critical social-emotional development. I can help a student reach their potential Volunteer Opportunities Apply Now You can empower a student to reach grade-level reading… we’ll help you do it. Reading Clinics offer one-on-one weekly tutoring to second and third-graders who have fallen behind in their reading skills. Students are referred to us by school staff and we assess them to determine their reading skill level. In consultation with the teacher, we develop a customized program that includes practice with phonics, sight words and leveled reading fluency. In reading clinics that occur during school hours, tutors use a variety of teaching tools and games to accommodate different learning styles and reinforce skills. At the end of the school year, we re-assess the students to determine their progress. Volunteer tutors receive initial training as well as periodic refresher training opportunities during the year. In addition, experienced tutor coordinators at each clinic provide ongoing in-service support for tutors working with individual students. Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Videos - Children Rising Videos - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Videos Yes, I want to send an eager child a tutor today! Featured Videos Educational inequity is a long-term social injustice impacting children in low-income neighborhoods throughout the East Bay. Children, primarily Black and Latino, are systematically locked out of opportunity due to their zip code. Historically, these eager-to-learn children are not provided enough of the right resources to give them a fair chance to succeed in school. Children Rising partners with the faith, business, and general community, struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods have a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life. We concentrate our efforts on three programs that provide individualized reading and math support from trained, caring volunteer tutors and support for families of children enrolled in our programs. Past Videos Imagine 2023: Bridges of Hope for All May 19, 2023 Imagine for a moment you’re a third-grade teacher, trying to teach a third-grade curriculum to an amazing, eager bunch of kids. But unfortunately, 70% of them are two or more grade levels behind in their reading and math skills. Now, imagine you are one of those third-graders. You’re eager to learn, but struggling to understand. This is the dilemma teachers and children in our schools have faced for many years. Imagine: Bridges of Hope for All July 21, 2022 Imagine for a moment you’re a third-grade teacher, trying to teach a third-grade curriculum to an amazing, eager bunch of kids. But unfortunately, 70% of them are two or more grade levels behind in their reading and math skills. Will you join us in building bridges of hope for all children in our community? Hope for Children Now LIVE! 2021 May 15, 2021 On May 15th we hosted the 2021 Hope for Children Now LIVE gala. We welcomed special guests Rita Moreno and Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, and heard from students in our program, and celebrated the progress they have made. It was a night to remember. Watch the highlights! Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf – Hope for Children Now Message May 15, 2021 Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf delivers remarks for the 2021 Hope for Children Now LIVE gala “Bridges of Hope.” Rita Moreno Speaking at Hope for Children Now LIVE May 15th, 2021 Special guest Rita Moreno shared her inspirational story and asked: “Isn’t teaching children to read a basic human service? It is up to us who care to look out for them in any way we can.” Succeeding by Reading 2020 -2021 May 26th, 2021 The gift of literacy is so important to a child. Children who cannot read in the 3rd grade will probably not graduate from high school. Research demonstrates that children become readers when they have been supported in their own efforts to learn to read, are able to enjoy age-appropriate books, and are encouraged by positive role models. Let’s see how the Succeeding by Reading program was able to work with children through one-on-one online tutoring. Path2Math 2020 – 2021 May 26, 2021 When schools closed last March, 1,800 2nd-grade students in Oakland were significantly behind in reading and math. Despite the efforts of our wonderful teachers, principals, and administrators, that gap has only widened. Let’s see how Children Rising was able to transform their one-on-one Path2Math tutoring program to reach children with the MOST NEED in their homes, and help them get back on track. Crossroads June 9th, 2018 Watch the transformative impact one volunteer can make on the life of a young student at the crossroads of promise and risk. Hope for Children Now Video June 1,2017 See how Children Rising is making an impact on the community and supporting Oakland public schools. Relationship is Everything October 15th, 2016 After all the tutoring, countless hours of reading together, and the many days of experiments, what would you have left? Everything. Will you take me by the hand? November 30th, 2022 What if you were a second-grader, sitting in class, and feeling lost…wishing you had someone who could help you understand the letters and numbers your teacher keeps talking about? What would you do if you were scared and afraid to ask for help? Would you hide and hope no one notices you? Who would take you by the hand? View More Videos Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Legacy Circle - Children Rising Legacy Circle - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Leave a Legacy Through Planned Giving Will you leave a legacy in your community? Instill hope and promise in our community for future generations. Thank you for embracing our vision for Oakland. You are empowering thousands of children and youth to build bridges to a better future. Imagine... …a city where every child feels loved and safe, and has reliable adults who model positive values. …a city where every child can develop as a whole person, body, mind, and spirit. …a city whose future shines brighter, one precious child at a time. A Generational Impact In Our Community Join the Children Rising Legacy Circle. Together, we will empower thousands of children and youth to build bridges to a better future, letting them and their families know they are not alone by providing encouragement and inspiring hope to rise above their many challenges. Legacy Circle members are passionate supporters who, through creating a legacy gift, will instill hope and promise in our community for future generations. When you become a Children Rising Legacy Circle member, you ensure a future where we are able to pair eager young learners with a caring adult. As each child has a more fair and equitable chance of being successful in school and throughout their entire life, you will instill hope and promise in our community for future generations. Will you invest in the future of our community by empowering our children — now and for years to come — to rise above the challenges created by decades of poverty, educational inequity and deeply rooted racial injustice? What is legacy giving? Legacy giving is your way to leave a planned future gift by designating part of your individual estate to Children Rising. You can leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts allow you to enjoy the benefits of smart financial planning while also creating a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. For more information, contact Chelsea Boniak, Children Rising’s development director, at (510) 836-5100 or [email protected]. Ways to Leave a Legacy Gift Leave a legacy with a planned gift through your will, trust, IRA, or life insurance. These planned gifts have a lasting impact on children and families in Oakland for years to come. 1. Include us in your will – By including Children Rising in your will, you can offer support without giving up crucial assets you may need now. Click here for sample bequest language. Don’t have a will? Visit Free Will to learn how you can create a will in less than 20 minutes! 2. Qualified Charitable Distribution / Retirement Assets – By making a gift of retirement assets, including 401 (k), 403 (b), IRA, or pension funds, you may save your estate the significant burden of paying both estate and income taxes on those assets. 3. Trusts – Charitable remainder trusts offer supporters a way to provide for themselves and their loved ones while they are alive and also support Children Rising. 4. Life Insurance – Donating your life insurance policy to Children Rising may allow you to claim an immediate income tax deduction for the current value of the policy, and you may also be able to deduct your future premium payments. Other Ways to Give Looking for other ways to make an impact through giving? There are many easy, tax-smart ways to support children and youth in your community. Click here Contact For more information about how to create your legacy gift, contact Chelsea Boniak, Children Rising’s development director, at (510) 836-5100 or fill in the contact form below. Name First Last Email Δ EIN/tax ID number: 94-3403801 Please consult a trusted lawyer or financial adviser before making any decisions regarding a planned gift. The information provided on this page is for general information only and we recommend that you consult a tax advisor when you’re doing your charitable planning. Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. FamilyBridge - Children Rising FamilyBridge - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Partnering With Parents—Their Child’s First and Most Important Teacher Engaged families are critical to children recovering from learning loss and succeeding in school… and in life. Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. When they feel supported, connected, and confident, their children are far more likely to thrive. FamilyBridge strengthens the Circle of Care that surrounds every child by bringing parents more fully into this vital partnership. These deeper connections are transforming outcomes. Parents are more engaged. Children feel supported both at home and in the classroom. And together—with tutors, teachers, mentors, and families working side by side—we’re creating a stable foundation where every child can rise to their God-given potential. I can help a student reach their potential Volunteer Opportunities Apply Today Strengthening the Circle of Care Children Rising programs work together to provide deeper support for children and their families at school and at home, strengthening the Circle of Care around each child. Family engagement actively partners with parents , a child’s first and most important teacher. We take time to understand each family’s situation and their child’s strengths and struggles, and help parents see where their child may need extra support. We then offer simple, effective ways to build skills and confidence at home. Families receive one-on-one encouragement, access to helpful resources, and opportunities to connect with other parents who are on the same journey. Summer family support offer more opportunities for children and families to bolster their learning. There is no easy fix to overcoming lost learning time. The most effective approach has proven to be more tutoring sessions and increased at-home support. Families, schools, and tutors pour learning experiences into the children. Technology tools and improved processes measure and provide continual updates on student progress more effectively. The result is increased personalized support for each student and improved communication with the child’s teacher—all focused on accelerating each student’s growth in foundational academic skills.  In-home learning tools and training for families help extend the Circle of Care into each child’s home. We provide books, math and reading worksheets, and other materials that match what students are practicing with their tutors. Parents and caregivers learn how to use these resources so they can reinforce key skills at home, build their child’s confidence, and keep progress going after tutoring sessions end. Parents continue receiving support after tutoring ends. They are not left on their own to keep their child moving forward. Ongoing family-centered support and links to community resources help ensure children don’t slip through the cracks once sessions stop. Families receive check-ins, tools, and coaching to keep momentum going, along with vital connections to community partners. Parents learn what to watch for, teachers are looped in, and the Circle of Care continues to surround each child.   4 Ways FamilyBridge puts children at the center 1.  Keep caregivers in the loop:   let families know tutoring is happening. 2.  Invite the conversation: two-way, bilingual communication to solve small problems early. 3.  Send simple tools home:: quick activities that match what’s taught. 4.  Celebrate the wins: encouraging updates that motivate practice and persistence. Jordyn and Dashanay — when home powers every lesson Meet Jordyn, a fourth-grader with Children Rising who used to hesitate to read long passages in books. Her mom, Dashanay, a single mother working full time, worried that two unstable school years without a steady teacher would leave Jordyn behind. One-on-one reading and math tutoring, paired with FamilyBridge, linked school to home and began to build steady momentum. Through FamilyBridge, Dashanay began receiving “good news” texts and photo updates from tutoring straight to her phone—messages she could reply to quickly. The updates sent home helped her align her home routines with the lessons being taught by the tutors. “It’s hard to follow up when you’re working and balancing life,” she says. “When I get the texts straight to my phone, and I can reply, I’ve got it. We’re on the same page.”  Take-home packets and simple resources made practice doable, and Dashanay no longer had to question herself. “I used to buy workbooks, but now I can pick up where you left off—if she’s familiar with it, she’ll knock it out.” The result: stronger confidence, especially in reading, and Jordyn choosing chapter books on her own. Volunteer Opportunities Read more Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer - Children Rising Volunteer - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Info “Children Rising cares so much about these kids that it invests the time and effort to train the tutors and provide us with tools to do a good job.” – Linda Hawkins, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) See how our tutors and students benefit from a one-on-one relationship. There are many opportunities for YOU to help a child rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising makes it simple. We invite YOU to join hundreds of volunteers who are nurturing and equipping students to rise above the challenges they face in school. Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people and groups to offer their time and talents to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life. We structure Children Rising programs so that it is easy for you to be effective immediately. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school children in reading and math, supporting family engagement activities, one-time and recurring projects, and events to reinforce Children Rising programs. Whether you are interested in tutoring or volunteering in a different capacity, we will coach and guide you along the way. Join us! The reward of helping a student succeed in school and grow in personal confidence as they reach their potential is priceless. PLEASE NOTE: We prefer all volunteer applicants reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have a familiarity with our East Bay community. I’m interested in becoming a tutor! Volunteer Opportunities Apply Today 5 things you should know about becoming a volunteer tutor 1. No experience is necessary! We provide training, all the materials, and coaching so that you can be effective immediately. 2. Tutoring clinics operate during school hours, Monday thru Friday, and are supported by Children Rising staff. Both morning and afternoon clinic times are available, but also dependent on school needs. Our reading program is conducted onsite in person, while our math program has both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. 3. You work with your students one-on-one. In a two-hour clinic, you tutor one student and then another student for 45 minutes each. We try to pair you with those students for the entire academic year. 4. There are several volunteer screening requirements. Schools require all volunteers who interact with children, whether it’s online or in person, to get a live scan background check. In-person tutors will also need to provide proof of negative TB status. 5. We ask that you commit to coming every week until clinics close in the spring. It is important to show up for your student each week. The children really count on it and look forward to seeing you! That being said, we recognize that life happens and you may need to miss some weeks for vacation or sick days. Just let us know ahead of time. Apply Today! Volunteer Opportunities: simple ways you can help a child reach their potential “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert Field, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) Children Rising offers many opportunities for you to connect with a student, inspiring hope, and the confidence to succeed. By sharing your time, you connect with a student, a school, and your community. Tutor a Child (Reading or Math) Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week. Format: Reading tutoring is currently in person only . Math tutoring offers in-person and some online opportunities . Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours Apply Today Ongoing Opportunities Be part of a caring circle that helps learning take root — at school and at home Children Rising’s Circle of Care supports children and families throughout the school year through caring relationships, tutoring, and practical tools that strengthen learning in reading and math. Ongoing volunteer roles run throughout the school year, and volunteers play a vital role by supporting family engagement and outreach, uplifting digital communications, Zoom learning experiences for caregivers, and creating ready-to-use learning resources that reinforce what students are working on in school and tutoring. Time Commitment: Most roles are about 2–4 hours per week (some closer to 2 hours/week). Find opportunities Apply Today One-Time Service Projects Project-based volunteering, when it fits your schedule We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available. Time Commitment: Varies depending on the project. Volunteer Calendar Apply Today Start volunteering With support and encouragement from our staff and fellow volunteers, you can start to make a difference in the lives of children and youth immediately! Yes, I want to give a child a fairer chance in school! Apply Today! Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. FAQ - Children Rising FAQ - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results FAQs “What’s great is Children Rising provides a really clear framework and set of tools to help you succeed.” – Laura Engelken (See Other Testimonials) When it's available, what does Online Tutoring look like? For online tutoring, tutors log from home using the provided Zoom link. The students log on from school under the supervision of a Children Rising clinic staff member. A Children Rising clinic coordinator is present to host the meeting, establish tutor-child breakout rooms, and support and coach each tutor as necessary during the session. We follow our proven instruction methodology developed over the years for volunteers to realize success. We have invested in additional tools to make the online delivery fun, interactive, and effective. Are all Children Rising volunteer opportunities in the San Francisco Bay Area? Yes, currently all our volunteer opportunities are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The capability to tutor online has enabled people from farther away to volunteer with us, but we prefer volunteer applicants who reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have some personal connection with our East Bay community. I don’t live in California. Can I still tutor? Even though we have remote tutoring opportunities, we’re constrained by our contract with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), which requires all our volunteers, both in-person and online, to be screened through the California Department of Justice. So you can tutor online from another state as long as you can get a live scan in California: https://www.certifixlivescan.com . We prefer applicants who have some personal connection with our East Bay community. What if I can’t commit to weekly tutoring? We have numerous ways to get involved, both sporadically and routinely. For example, you can help prepare reading clinic supplies during the summer, or assemble our quarterly newsletter mailing. What if I want to tutor, but don’t think I have the skills? Children Rising offers training sessions and materials to help you develop tutoring skills. If you know how to read, do basic math, or have helped your own children when they were in first grade, you will find that it comes rather naturally. Are the children difficult? We find the children are eager to learn, affectionate, and appreciative. Some children are more challenging than others, and we match tutor skills/preferences with individual children. What are Children Rising’s most pressing needs now? We need more tutors, period, but especially in-person tutors. How do you prevent Children Rising volunteers from seeming “condescending” when coming from a mid to high-income community going into a school that is not? Children Rising representatives have a relationship with the schools they serve. We ask them what they need and how we can help. We do not, in any way, tell them what we think they need. Do I have to get a fingerprint scan? Yes. All volunteers, online and in-person, are required to pass the Live Scan fingerprint certification. You must get a live scan for Children Rising specifically, even if you’ve already done it for another organization. You can make your live scan appointment by visiting https://www.certifixlivescan.com What is a TB Risk Assessment and how do I get it done? OUSD accepts a TB Risk Assessment in lieu of a TB skin test. The TB Risk Assessment can be completed by a medical provider and will be valid for 4 years. Download and print the TB Risk Assessment and take it to your licensed health care provider. Once completed, submit a copy to our office. Are there tax benefits of volunteering? Yes, there are several tax deductions you may be able to take. Learn more. Apply Today Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Get Involved - Children Rising Get Involved - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Get Involved Children Rising makes it simple to provide a child a fair chance to succeed in school…and in life. Volunteer Now Give Now Volunteer There are many opportunities to empower a child to become a lifelong learner. Children Rising makes it simple. Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple opportunities to volunteer for people and groups to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life. I want to Learn About Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer Now Donate Your gift today gives a child a fair chance to succeed in school… and in life. When you make a gift to Children Rising, you are mobilizing community support for the struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. You will empower a child to succeed in school. Will you make a gift today? Yes, I want to uplift a child in school today! “We’ve been given these gifts, time, talent and resources, and there just seemed to be an opportunity to reach out and have an impact on elementary school students, helping them grow confidence in their math and reading skills, and making a good connection with them. We’ve been blessed.” – Dennis Burke, Tutor Read what others are saying Testimonials Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report - Children Rising 2024-2025 Annual Impact Report - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Click Here to View the Annual Report PDF Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Press Archive - Children Rising Press Archive - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Press Educational Tutoring to Reduce Adolescent Vulnerabilities with Children Rising March 30, 2024 | Read more Service Above Self – February 2024 Service Above Self: Orinda Rotary Club member and Path2Math tutor Clay Deanhardt talks about “serving others beyond Orinda—it improves two lives at the same time.” By Clay Deanhardt , The Orinda News February 22, 2024 | Read more OUSD Celebrates Outstanding Work Done to Improve Student Literacy Children Rising Superstar Readers appeared on the Oakland Unified School District video segment celebrating the outstanding work done to improve student literacy. Succeeding by Reading tutor David Schuricht is interviewed. February 22, 2024 Dozens of tutors needed to help OUSD kids overcome COVID learning loss Oakland educational nonprofit provides opportunities for the community support neighborhood schools and enable children to rise above learning challenges. By Aysha Pettigrew, Oakland North, August 11, 2023 August 16, 2023 | Read more Faith-inspired Nonprofit Offers Meaningful Opportunity to Uplift Children in the Community Jim Wambach appeared on KEAR 610 AM Family Radio’s Community Bridge Program and expressed the need to give back and make a positive difference in the life of a child. https://www.children-rising.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/KEAR-Children-Rising-July-2023.mp3 KEAR 610 AM Family Radio’s August 8, 2023 Oakland Non-profit offers free summer enrichment program Oakland non-profit ‘Children Rising’ offering free summer enrichment program to combat summer learning loss. KTVU Fox 2 Interview with Heather Holmes May 25, 2023 | Read more Literacy tutoring programs show promise in Oakland Most Oakland Unified School District third graders are not reading at grade level. Many schools are turning to “high-dosage” tutoring from community-based organizations to help. By Ashley McBride, the Oaklandside; November 21, 2022 December 7, 2022 | Read more Bay Area students follow state, national trends of severe pandemic learning loss Fifth graders reading at first grade levels? New statewide and national data shows that when it comes to our COVID report card, many are receiving a failing grade. By Tim Johns, KGO, October 26, 2022 November 11, 2022 | Read more COVID pandemic, lockdowns set student learning back decades, new data shows KGO ABC7 News’ Tim Johns reported on new data showing two decades of learning improvements have been wiped away in the span of just two years. Often called “the nation’s report card,” the National Center for Education Statistics released data from an assessment given to nearly 15,000 kids. The new numbers revealed that since the start of the pandemic, the country has received a failing grade. By Tim Johns, KGO, September 1, 2022 September 8, 2022 | Read more New school year brings new challenges as many lag behind from COVID KPIX CBS 5 News’ Max Darrow profiled Children Rising volunteer tutoring programs Succeeding by Reading and Path2Math. Children Rising provides opportunities for the community to tutor children and enable them to overcome COVID-related loss of learning time. By Max Darrow, KPIX, August 16, 2022 August 25, 2022 | Read more Oakland Non-Profit Seeks Volunteer Tutors to Combat Pandemic Learning Loss KTVU Fox 2 News’ Alex Savidge and Greg Lee interviewed Children Rising Executive Director Jim Wambach about ways the community can enable children to overcome COVID-related loss of learning time. Watch courtesy of KTVU Fox 2 news, August 15, 2022 By Fox KTVU, August 16, 2022 August 25, 2022 | Read more ‘We had no one to run it’: At one Oakland school, a 5-year quest to reopen the library Educators say libraries should be a basic part of every child’s school experience. But Oakland Unified has struggled to maintain them for decades. Read about the role Children Risign played in the re-opening of Carl B. Munck Elementary School library, and the future for school libraries in Oakland. By Ashley McBride, the Oaklandside; December 15, 2021 July 21, 2022 | Read more Where Bay Area K-12 Students Can Get Free Tutoring This School Year NBC Bay Area provides parents with a list of back-to-school resources, many of them free. Children Rising is included. If you want Children Rising tutoring services in your school, we want to be there. Please contact us at [email protected] , and reach out to your school administrator. Let them know about our amazing, free reading and math tutoring programs for Oakland schools. By Alyssa Goard and Chris Chmura, Featured on NBC Bay Area July 14, 2021 | Read more Volunteer Network Has East Bay Kids ‘Succeeding By Reading’ Jefferson Award Winner Founded Children Rising When an East Bay pastor decided to give up preaching, it wasn’t because he was ready to retire. Instead, this week’s Jefferson Award winner is helping second graders improve their reading. Randy Roth couldn’t believe that 60% of Oakland third graders were behind in their reading skills. So 15 years ago, he gave up his work as a full-time pastor to establish “Children Rising .” He says it’s not a church, it’s a “community benefit” non-profit. “We do not provide religious services,” he explained. “But we provide services.” Those services now reach into 36 East Bay schools, mostly in Oakland. Programs include workplace internships and college scholarships. But a key program is one called Succeeding by Reading. Three hundred tutors spend an hour a week working one-on-one with second graders, focusing on reading and comprehension. “It’s one thing to read words on a page. It’s another thing to carve a pumpkin so you know what pulp really means,” Roth pointed out. By Allen Martin Featured on CBS local news June 22, 2016 | Read more Alameda: Benefit Concert Set for Ruby Bridges Elementary Science Camp “ALAMEDA — The inspirational voices of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will be heard Jan. 25 at Alameda’s Kofman Auditorium in a benefit “Seedlings” concert for Ruby Bridges Elementary School’s fifth-grade science camp in March…. “Now in its sixth year, the three-day, two-night science camp at Mission Springs Outdoor Education Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains gives Ruby Bridges’ students — some for the first time — the chance to explore nature and the outdoors and discover science in a completely new way. “Children Rising , a collaboration of congregations and organizations founded in 2001, sponsors the science camp as well as other practical help for East Bay children and families.” By Maggie Sharpe, Correspondent, featured in The Oakland Tribune and Alameda Journal January 17, 2014 | Read more West Oakland Youth Help Bay Bridge Opening “As the old Bay Bridge closed and construction teams worked over Labor Day weekend to prepare for the opening of th Partners - Children Rising Partners - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Partners The secret to our success? Community partners help us close the opportunity gap Congregations Children Rising partners with over 20 congregations and communities of faith to provide precious human and material resources to our schools in neighborhoods most impacted by poverty, violence, and educational inequity. Together with the following congregations, we are providing practical support for children who need it most. Read more Bethlehem Lutheran Church Christ Church East Bay Community Presbyterian Church, Danville First Covenant Church, Oakland First Presbyterian Church, Berkeley Memorial Tabernacle Church Montclair Presbyterian Church New City Church Oakland Oakland Worship Center Piedmont Community Church Regeneration Church Resurrection Oakland Shiloh Church St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church St. John’s Episcopal Church St. Patrick’s Catholic Church St. Paul Lutheran Church Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church Learn more about becoming a Partner Church Get to know some of our church partners! First Covenant Church of Oakland Piedmont Community Church Community Partners Children Rising partners with over 20 area agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to provide access to learning resources for those furthest from opportunity. Together with the following community partners, we are helping close the achievement gap in our urban public schools. Read more Bay Area Community Resources Be A Mentor Boost@BerkeleyHaas Bring Me a Book Foundation Caltrans Catalyst Youth Network Cisco East Bay Children’s Book Project Faith in Action East Bay Friends of the Oakland Public Library GO Public Schools Harbor House National Charity League of Oakland-Piedmont National Council of Negro Women – East Oakland-Hayward Oakland Literacy Coalition Oakland Unified School District Project Peace Rotary Club of Moraga Rotary Club of Orinda St. Mary’s College of California Talking Points Transforming the Bay With Christ West Contra Costa Unified School District Foundations Children Rising relies on the generous funding of foundations to sustain and grow our programs over the years. Without these crucial partners, we would not be able to make an impact on our Oakland and East Bay public schools. Read more Ahlsten Foundation Albertsons Company Foundation Barrios Trust Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation Callison Foundation Cisco Foundation Clorox Company Foundation East.Learn.Play. Foundation Jack and Jill Foundation Jack in the Box Lawrence Livermore National Security Lowell Berry Foundation Mary A Crocker Trust Nicholson Family Foundation PG&E Corporation Presbyterian Foundation Ross Stores Foundation Stocker Foundation Younger Family Fund I want to partner with those who make a difference in my community. Name * First Last Email * Phone * Name of Church * Comments Δ Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Volunteer - Children Rising Volunteer - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Who We Are Overview History of Children Rising Staff & Board Testimonials Partners What We Do Overview FamilyBridge Path2Math Succeeding by Reading Our Impact Where We Serve How To Volunteer Info Opportunities Volunteer Calendar FAQs Apply News News Events Newsletter Blog Press Videos How to Give Legacy Giving Monthly Giving Donor-Advised Funds Stock Donation Other Ways To Give Our Supporters Donate Today Contact Us Donate Give Monthly Search More Results Make a Difference (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Search More Results Volunteer Info “Children Rising cares so much about these kids that it invests the time and effort to train the tutors and provide us with tools to do a good job.” – Linda Hawkins, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) See how our tutors and students benefit from a one-on-one relationship. There are many opportunities for YOU to help a child rise to their God-given potential. Children Rising makes it simple. We invite YOU to join hundreds of volunteers who are nurturing and equipping students to rise above the challenges they face in school. Children Rising programs work because individual volunteers, congregations, community-based organizations, corporations, and local businesses share their time with struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods. We offer multiple volunteer opportunities for people and groups to offer their time and talents to enable an eager young child to succeed in school… and in life. We structure Children Rising programs so that it is easy for you to be effective immediately. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school children in reading and math, supporting family engagement activities, one-time and recurring projects, and events to reinforce Children Rising programs. Whether you are interested in tutoring or volunteering in a different capacity, we will coach and guide you along the way. Join us! The reward of helping a student succeed in school and grow in personal confidence as they reach their potential is priceless. PLEASE NOTE: We prefer all volunteer applicants reside in the greater San Francisco Bay Area or have a familiarity with our East Bay community. I’m interested in becoming a tutor! Volunteer Opportunities Apply Today 5 things you should know about becoming a volunteer tutor 1. No experience is necessary! We provide training, all the materials, and coaching so that you can be effective immediately. 2. Tutoring clinics operate during school hours, Monday thru Friday, and are supported by Children Rising staff. Both morning and afternoon clinic times are available, but also dependent on school needs. Our reading program is conducted onsite in person, while our math program has both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. 3. You work with your students one-on-one. In a two-hour clinic, you tutor one student and then another student for 45 minutes each. We try to pair you with those students for the entire academic year. 4. There are several volunteer screening requirements. Schools require all volunteers who interact with children, whether it’s online or in person, to get a live scan background check. In-person tutors will also need to provide proof of negative TB status. 5. We ask that you commit to coming every week until clinics close in the spring. It is important to show up for your student each week. The children really count on it and look forward to seeing you! That being said, we recognize that life happens and you may need to miss some weeks for vacation or sick days. Just let us know ahead of time. Apply Today! Volunteer Opportunities: simple ways you can help a child reach their potential “The training and experience of the Children Rising team is very important to success. Their ongoing evaluation of the students, and suggestions for dealing with particular student needs, greatly enhance the ability of the tutor to stimulate progress by the student.” – Robert Field, Reading Tutor (Read what others are saying) Children Rising offers many opportunities for you to connect with a student, inspiring hope, and the confidence to succeed. By sharing your time, you connect with a student, a school, and your community. Tutor a Child (Reading or Math) Be the steady support a child looks forward to each week Two hours of one-on-one tutoring each week can help determined second-grade students strengthen reading or math skills, grow in confidence, and rise to their potential. We provide training, support, guidance, and all the tools you’ll need to succeed each week. We’ll pair you with a student and offer multiple school locations and time slots to accommodate your schedule. Our step-by-step approach makes it simple to support a child’s learning — and you may find the time you spend with eager students and fellow volunteers becomes the highlight of your week. Format: Reading tutoring is currently in person only . Math tutoring offers in-person and some online opportunities . Time Commitment: 2 hours once a week, Monday-Friday during school hours Apply Today Ongoing Opportunities Be part of a caring circle that helps learning take root — at school and at home Children Rising’s Circle of Care supports children and families throughout the school year through caring relationships, tutoring, and practical tools that strengthen learning in reading and math. Ongoing volunteer roles run throughout the school year, and volunteers play a vital role by supporting family engagement and outreach, uplifting digital communications, Zoom learning experiences for caregivers, and creating ready-to-use learning resources that reinforce what students are working on in school and tutoring. Time Commitment: Most roles are about 2–4 hours per week (some closer to 2 hours/week). Find opportunities Apply Today One-Time Service Projects Project-based volunteering, when it fits your schedule We have many service projects that support the work we do for the children. If weekly tutoring is not right for you, you can still assist the children and families we serve by providing a couple of hours of your time when convenient to do so. Let us know if you are interested in learning more, and we will notify you as projects become available. Time Commitment: Varies depending on the project. Volunteer Calendar Apply Today Start volunteering With support and encouragement from our staff and fellow volunteers, you can start to make a difference in the lives of children and youth immediately! Yes, I want to give a child a fairer chance in school! Apply Today! Donate Volunteer Quick Links Mission & Vision Our Programs Ways to Make an Impact Donate Now Contact Us Here (510) 836-5100 [email protected] Fax: (510) 836-5105 2633 Telegraph Avenue #412 Oakland, CA 94612 Tax ID: 94-3403801 Follow Us ©2026 Children Rising. Tax ID: 94-3403801 We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Monthly Giving - Children Rising Monthly Giving - Children Rising (510) 836-5100 in