Since its inception, Summit54 has served more than 12,000 Roaring Fork Valley youth. Summer Advantage has operated since 2012, serving more than 600 primarily needs based children in the lower RFV each summer. During the pandemic, when school buildings were not available, Summit54 created a fun outdoor summer academic program using regional parks. When school resumed on-line in the fall, parents asked Summit54 to continue its in-person instruction after school hours, using outdoor spaces. This birthed the Summit54 After-School Tutoring Program that now serves more than 400 children each trimester.

In 2024/25, 81% of our students identified as Latino, 74% were English Language Learners, 71% were low income, and 10% had special needs. Summit54 focuses on elementary-aged children because beginning in 4th grade, half of the material children are expected to learn is provided to them in a written format. If children can’t read by fourth grade, it is very difficult for them to succeed. Not surprisingly, there is a very strong correlation between 3rd grade literacy and high school graduation rates. In a decades-long study, Hernandez found that *88% of High School dropouts couldn't read when they finished 3rd grade.

Summit54 provides five-weeks of summer academics, life enrichment, physical fitness, two daily meals, mental health supports, and weekly field trips during Summer Advantage. Summit54 also provides free after-school tutoring throughout the school year on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Summit54 sponsored “Summer Advantage” program provides five-weeks of summer academics and life enrichment programming for more than 600 mostly under-privileged rising 1st – 6th grade students in the Roaring Fork Valley at elementary schools in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs in partnership with Roaring Fork Schools. Scholars advance 2.5-4 months during the program. 

Every summer, Summer Advantage scholars take a STAR Assessment at the beginning and end of the five-week program. Since inception, Roaring Fork Valley elementary students have advanced 2.5 to 4 months in reading and math during the five-week program!  Without access to a high-quality summer academic program, low-income students typically regress up to three months during the summer break (Hernandez 10-year study).

Licensed Roaring Fork School District Teachers provide after-school tutoring for one-hour immediately after school to groups of 6-10 students. Sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are held in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Each session serves approximately 400 students.

Our educators receive extensive training during the mandatory three-day training for the Summer Advantage program regarding how to identify and support students’ mental health. Through our partnership with the Roaring Fork School District, our educators call upon both a social worker and psychiatrist to support students and families as needed during the summer when families would otherwise be “off the radar.”

Our tutoring program gives teachers more one-on-one time with students than is possible during the school day, providing greater opportunity to connect with their students and their students’ parents.

Summit54’s executive director works as a volunteer from her home. Summit54 pays no rent or utilities. The organization’s very limited contract Controller donates half her time. According to “Charity Navigator” non-profits typically TRY to stay within a 23% overhead cost but the national average is around 35%. Summit54’s overhead is only 10% (annual independent audit, accounting, & social media support).

Summer Advantage teachers are paid $8000 for the five-week program. Teachers who participate in our tutoring program are paid $75/one-hour session. This extra income is very helpful in supporting our teachers to remain in the Roaring Fork Valley, where the cost of living is especially high.

Summit54 is a State of Colorado “Approved Child Care Provider,” which allows Colorado donors to use the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit to write off 50% of their Colorado liability.  This credit, combined with normal state and federal charitable deductions, greatly reduces tax liability.

Platinum is the highest rating available and demonstrates Summit54’s commitment to overall excellence and superior operational standards.