Partnering for Progress: Spring Forward After School Programs Make a Difference

Spring Forward is proud to continue our partnership with the Rock Island-Milan School District, delivering After School Programs at six elementary schools — as well as partnering with Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to provide Teachers and academic instruction at their after-school programs.

After-School is designed to accelerate academic growth, with a clear focus on helping scholars reach grade-level proficiency in reading and math. To keep learning engaging, we integrate experiential learning opportunities through Community Partner Outreach, as well as offering beginner swim lessons, hands-on enrichment, and special field trips that reward attendance and hard work.

We work closely with each school’s Administration to identify and support students who need the programs most. By hiring caring, Certified Teachers from each school we serve, we ensure a trusted, consistent learning environment that bridges the school day and after-school hours.

Partnerships with Augustana College, Grace Lutheran Church and Rock Island High School’s Teacher Education Internship bring a dedicated team of volunteers who help maximize program impact. These volunteers provide students with valuable one-on-one attention and meaningful interactions with caring adults who believe in their potential. Whether assisting with academics, mentoring, or simply showing up with encouragement, they create powerful moments of connection that reinforce confidence and a sense of belonging.

At Spring Forward, we know that student success is a collective effort. We’re just one piece of a larger puzzle, working alongside families, schools, and community partners to build a strong foundation for every child.

We look forward to another year standing alongside RIMSD as part of the support system for young scholars, and are very proud of our commitment to fostering academic achievement in safe, supportive spaces, so every student has the opportunity to grow, succeed, and thrive!