Summit54 provides a solid academic foundation for young students. Third grade literacy is an important benchmark because the focus of education from Kindergarten through 3rd grade is on teaching children to read. 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.

More than 6000 children have benefitted from Summit54 programming in the Roaring Fork Valley during the past 10 years.

Summit54 serves under-privileged children. Historically 87% of our Summer Advantage scholars are Latino, 76% are English Language Learners and 74% receive free and reduced lunch during the school year.

Summer Advantage provides five-weeks of academics and life enrichment each summer for more than 550 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.

Students advance 2+ months each summer during the five-week Summer Advantage program. Without access to a summer academic program, low-income students typically regress up to 3 months during the summer.

Summit54 began year-round free tutoring during the pandemic and continues this important service to help young students regain lost ground due to school closures and the move to online learning.

97% of all donations received go directly to provide programming. Summit54’s executive director works as a volunteer, the only other staff member is a part-time hourly employee — both work from home using their own computers and wifi. Summit54 pays no rent or utilities. 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 cost is 3%.

Summit54 is a State of Colorado “Approved Child Care Provider,” which provides Colorado donors with a Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit equaling 50% of their donation. This credit, combined with normal charitable deductions, equals up to 72% of the total donation.

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