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Summer Advantage

provides scientifically proven, cost efficient, summer learning, physical fitness and life enrichment programming.

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Summer Advantage

Summer Advantage

Offers invaluable summer learning and enrichment opportunities for students in the Roaring Fork Valley, with special consideration for at-risk students who otherwise would have little access to summer programs.

In addition to the academic and life-enrichment offerings, Summer Advantage provides two nutritious daily meals, daily physical activity, and a low student to teacher ratio ensures students have the attention of caring adults trained as a mentors.

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Summit 54 - Summer Advantage

Summer Advantage also provides an access point for medical and dental care, and other important family services.

Another ancillary benefit of Summer Advantage is that it provides summer employment opportunities for teachers in the Valley who need year-round employment in order to be able to afford to live and teach in Roaring Fork schools.

Summer Advantage Flyer - English
Summer Advantage Flyer - Espagñol

"We are pleased to partner with Summit54 for the twelfth season of Summer Advantage. I grew up attending summer programming like Summer Advantage and know that these kinds of partnerships are essential for some students to continue having a safe place to learn and play over the summer. I truly appreciate Summit54 for making this opportunity possible for our students here in the Roaring Fork Valley." - Dr. Jesus Rodriquez (RFSD superintendent)

After-School Small Group Tutoring

Free after-school programming

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After School Tutoring
Mrs. Tamsyn Peterson models finger spelling with her third graders to demonstrate letter sounds with written letters.

We are currently seeking additional RFS District elementary school teachers to tutor after school during the spring trimester.

  • The rate of compensation is $65/one hour session (including a necessary prep time).

  • The one-hour small group sessions take place immediately after school for one hour on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

  • Teachers may tutors two or three days per week based on their individual schedules.

Interested District teachers should contact Kyle-Leigh Berry at: kberry@rfschools.com.

“My students love it when it is a tutoring day! In 3rd grade, my students have learned six syllable word types. During tutoring they have the opportunity to review a syllable pattern and clarify any misconceptions about words that (often) break the rules. At the end of the class we play word reading games and make connections with each other. We have really formed a special bond and I notice the students helping each other more during the school day, because of these connections." - Amanda Laman (Crystal River Elementary School)

We are proud of the heights we’ve reached supporting education

In 2011, Summit54 was founded by Tony Caine after he summited all 54 of Colorado’s peaks taller than 14,000 feet during one year. His achievement is symbolic of the mission of Summit54 - to help young students reach the peak of their potential and success by providing support and services to overcome obstacles in their path.

Terri Caine, Tony's wife, simultaneously pursued bringing academic and life enrichment programs for elementary-aged children to the Roaring Fork Valley.

3/14/23 Press Release
Summit 54 Tutoring
1st graders at GSES play a missing number game.
Summer Advantage
Second graders in Ms. Berry’s after-school tutoring group practice a phonics game to reinforce the vowel teams au and aw.

Please help us assist more students!

Your donation will provide free academic and life enrichment summer programming and free afternoon tutoring for low-income children in Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs.

Colorado donors may deduct up to 72% of their gift to Summit54 from their tax liability by combining the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit with federal charitable deductions.

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Donations may also be mailed to
Summit54 at 625 E. Main Street, Suite 102B-115, Aspen, CO 81611

Reasons to support Summit54

REASON 1 - Summit54 strengthens student outcomes

In the summer of 2022, Roaring Fork Valley elementary students advanced 2.5 to 4 months in reading and math during the short five-week Summer Advantage program!  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.

REASON 2 - More than 7500 children have benefitted

More than 7500 Roaring Fork Valley children have participated in Summit54 programming during the past 11 years.

REASON 3 - Summit54 serves under-privileged children

In 2022, 71% of scholars qualifed for free or reduced price meals. 81% of our scholars identified Latino, 16% Caucasian, 1% Asian and 1% Other.

REASON 4 - Summer Advantage provides five-weeks of academics

Summer Advantage provides five-weeks of academics and life enrichment programming each summer for more than 600 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.

REASON 5 - Students advance 2.5 - 4 months each summer

Students advance 2.5 - 4 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 break.

REASON 6 - Summit54 provides free small group after-school tutoring

Summit54 began free tutoring during the pandemic. Unfortunately, children are still far behind where they should be.  To address this on-going problem, Summit54 continued the program and is now it it’s third year of providing free small group after-school tutoring in Roaring Fork elementary schools.

REASON 7 - Summit54 spends less than 5% on overhead expenses

95% of all donations received by Summit54 go directly to provide FREE programming for disadvantaged youth in the Roaring Fork Valley. Summit54’s executive director works as a volunteer. The organization’s Controller donates half her time on a contractual basis.  The organization also uses a private contractor for PR and Marketing at a discounted rate. 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 5%.

REASON 8 - Donors may write off up to 72% of their donation

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 charitable deductions, may equal up to 72% of the total donation.

REASON 9 - Summit54 has a Platinum rating with GuideStar

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

After-School Tutoring

Success Stories

It is the second year that my child's scores have increased.

4th Grade Parent

Crystal River Elementary

 I saw students start to believe in their ability.

1st Grade Teacher

Basalt Elementary

LOOKING BACK

During the past 11 years, Summit54 has provided support and critical services for thousands of students in Colorado, by bringing both College Track and Summer Advantage to Colorado and by developing year-round academic programs.

1
In 2011, Summit54 sponsored two classes - 54 students - to participate in the College Track program. (1)

College Track Success Stories

Sponsored by Summit 54

Summit 54 - Success Story

I am currently enrolled in a Social Media Marketing certificate at eCornell. I have hopes to use my BA and certificate to get into copywriting. I would love to write for Target or Starbucks! I am employed at Guild Education. It’s an education technology company that’s committed to unlocking opportunities for America's workforce through education and upskilling. College access programs like CT equip students with knowledge and tools/resources that aren’t easily accessible to first generation students.
While others supported me, CT understood what I needed and gave it to me!"

Cyanna Whitney

Graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a BA in English

Kai Aptidon - College Trek Success

"I am currently doing well! I went to the University of Colorado at Boulder, I majored in English with a minor in Creative Writing. I am going back to receive my Masters in Creative Writing, as well as pursuing my dream of cooking, and opening my own restaurant.

Without the confidence CT gave me I wouldn't have felt comfortable to pursue more than one dream."

Kai Aptidon

Graduated University of Colorado at Boulder, with a major in English and minor in Creative Writing

Summit54 is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving Colorado's economy and society through effective, efficient and accountable investments in education.

In the Summer of 2022

690 scholars, from rising 1st to rising 6th graders, registered for our Summer Advantage program.

81% of scholars

identified Latino, 16% Caucasian, 1% Asian and 1% Other.

71% of Scholars

who applied to attend Summer Advantage qualified for free or reduced-price meals.

In the Summer of 2022

Summer Advantage scholars advanced 2.5 - 4 months in reading and math.

Research shows

that children living in low-income communities who do not have access to high quality summer learning programs historically lose three months of academic skills every summer.

Thank you to all our partner organizations and donors who contribute to making Summit54 programming possible.

Platinum Level Donors


Adam & Melony Lewis
John & Jessica Fullerton
Wend II, Inc.

Melvyn & Bren Simon Charitable Foundation
Roaring Fork School District RE-1

Robert Pew
The Foundation for a Stable Childhood

Melvyn & Bren Simon Charitable Foundation

Melvyn & Bren Simon Charitable Foundation

Roaring Fork School District RE-1

Roaring Fork School District RE-1

The PEW Charitable Trusts

The PEW Charitable Trusts

Wend II, Inc.

Wend II, Inc.

The Foundation for a Stable Childhood

The Foundation for a Stable Childhood

Gold Level Donors

Aspen Community Foundation
City of Aspen
The Denver Foundation
Hurst Family Foundation
The Beacon Fund
Mariah & Craig Morris
Pitkin County

Silver Level Donors

Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund
ANB Bank
Richard & Brandy McAniff
Bubba and Tracy Eggleston
Colorado Humanities

Debbie & Richard Jelinek
Ernie & Lacy Fyrwald
Fred & Susan Lodge
Gary & Laura Lauder
Gerald & Annie Hosier

Greg & Marilena Lucier
Mark & Mareike Blodgett

Michael & Lisa Hasfield
Michael & Katie Solondz
Rich Vossler

Bronze Level Donors

Aspen Thrift Shop
Aspen Rotary Club
Alpine Bank Aspen

Basalt Education Foundation
Garfield County
Hotel Colorado

Roaring Fork Rotary Club
Robins Foundation
Western Colorado Community Foundation

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We also wish to gratefully acknowledge all of our many individual donors.

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“After-school tutoring with Summit54 has been a “After-school tutoring with Summit54 has been a great experience. I have been able to target specific skills that students needed support with and provide small group instruction. It’s been incredible to see my students progress and how much tutoring can positively impact their learning. They are happier, more confident in class, and participate more. Parents have also mentioned they are very thankful that their kids are receiving free tutoring and have noticed their progress as well. One little girl from my Spanish literacy group has significantly improved in her fluency and is now confident in class. She volunteers to read aloud and participates a lot more.”

-Romina Chissum, 3rd Grade Teacher at Basalt Elementary School
Triple your impact on Giving Tuesday! Gifts to S Triple your impact on Giving Tuesday! 

Gifts to Summit54 will be matched two times!  Plus, Colorado residents are able to deduct up to 72% of their donation from their tax liability!  However, the most compelling reason to give is the impact you’ll make on young children in our Valley!

Summit54 provides a free five-week summer academic and life enrichment program serving approximately 600+ elementary aged children.  Participants advance 2-3 months in reading and math during this short program versus regressing 2-3 months (the average decline for low-income children without access to a high quality summer academic program).  In addition to moving forward academically, Valley youth receive two daily meals, social/emotional support, exercise, enrichment activities, field trips and inspirational speakers all in classes with two trained educators providing a teacher/student ratio of 1 to 11.

During the school year, Summit54 provides free after school tutoring for approximately 300 elementary students.

Please help turn today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders!   

Give today: https://summit54.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/summit54/donation.jsp
Summit54 is grateful for our donors who make it po Summit54 is grateful for our donors who make it possible for us to provide year- round academic and life enrichment programming in the Roaring Fork Valley!
Thank you to all of our Summit54 teachers! We appr Thank you to all of our Summit54 teachers! We appreciate all that you do to make our free year round after-school tutoring programs and Summer Advantage possible.
Summit54 was chosen to receive the Alpine Bank “ Summit54 was chosen to receive the Alpine Bank “Colorado Day — Pay it Forward" contest! Alpine Bank held the contest to celebrate Colorado Day. Lilianna Seijo won the grand prize and selected Summit54 to receive a check for $1876.00, as 1876 was the year that Colorado became a state.

Seijo said, “I didn’t hesitate to choose Summit54 because I am an educator and I highly value the importance of Summit54’s educational programs for children in the Roaring Fork Valley."

Photo of Alpine Bank executive Mary Ryerson and Terri Caine, Executive Director of Summit54.
Our scholars love the weekly STEAM (science, techn Our scholars love the weekly STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art or math) activities at Summer Advantage!

SUPPORT 11 MORE YEARS OF SERVICE

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2.5-4 months

of academic gains

Summer Advantage 2022

24 days

or 156 total hours of dynamic summer learning

92.7%

of parents would recommend the program to other families

Contact

625 Main Street, Suite 102B-115
Aspen, CO 81611

info@summit54.org

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