The Augustana College Connection: Deeply Rooted, Lasting Impact

As Spring Forward begins celebrating our first 20 years, we find our partnership with Augustana College woven throughout our story. From the future educators, volunteers, and mentors who have supported programs to the impactful, hands-on learning experiences that have broadened students' horizons, many of our most meaningful chapters have been written alongside Augustana.

Thanks to our longstanding partnership with the Education Department, more than 80 Augustana students have served as Summer Program staff, many of whom have gone on to become educators in local school districts. The impact of the partnership extends beyond our students and into Spring Forward itself. In fact, nearly half of our full-time administrative and program staff over the years have been Augustana graduates. Just as meaningful has been the work of more than 150 Augustana student volunteers who have spent time tutoring at Longfellow Elementary and supporting After-School and Intersession programs through art, enrichment, and recreational activities.

Augustana students have brought mentorship, energy, fresh ideas, and talents to our programs in countless ways. Their contributions helped introduce organized sports to our Summer Program in 2021, with students sharing their passions through activities such as basketball, baseball, and tumbling. The partnership has also opened doors to learning experiences across Augustana's campus. Through the Kids on Campus program, Rock Island-Milan sixth graders gained early exposure to college life while participating in enriching summer learning experiences. Educational tours and visits to the Geology Museum helped students explore the Augustana campus, while experiences at Augie Acres introduced them to gardening, and the journey of food from seed to table.

As Spring Forward celebrates 20 years of serving local youth, Augustana's partnership remains an important part of our story. Together, we look forward to building on that legacy and creating new opportunities for students in the years ahead!