About
Children Rising Tutoring Programs offers personalized one-on-one reading tutoring, one-on-one math tutoring, and after-school homework support. The program also includes mentoring and provides training and support for volunteer tutors through specific programs such as Path2Math and Succeeding by Reading.
• Ages: 5–11 years old
Founded in 2001, Children Rising is an education nonprofit with programs founded in partnership with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Its mission is to nurture and equip children to rise above the challenges created by generations of poverty, violence, and educational inequity. The organization focuses on children in East Bay public schools most affected by poverty, violence, and educational inequity and offers family support for children enrolled in its programs. Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods, working with over 200 trained tutors and mentors from church congregations and diverse community and business partners, 20 congregations, 25 diverse community partners, and 36 under-resourced public schools, in partnership with OUSD.
The leadership team includes executive director Jim Wambach, community engagement manager Bronwyn Harris, Director of Development Chelsea Boniak, Press Inquiries contact Eric Steckel, and Volunteer Opportunities contact Julia Melancon. Tutors and volunteers describe their experiences in the program through testimonials from Path2Math and Succeeding by Reading tutors, including comments on student reading progress, personal motivation to support children, and the training and ongoing evaluation provided by the Children Rising team.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
• Ages: 5–11 years old
Founded in 2001, Children Rising is an education nonprofit with programs founded in partnership with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Its mission is to nurture and equip children to rise above the challenges created by generations of poverty, violence, and educational inequity. The organization focuses on children in East Bay public schools most affected by poverty, violence, and educational inequity and offers family support for children enrolled in its programs. Children Rising mobilizes community support for struggling elementary school children living in Oakland’s lowest-income neighborhoods, working with over 200 trained tutors and mentors from church congregations and diverse community and business partners, 20 congregations, 25 diverse community partners, and 36 under-resourced public schools, in partnership with OUSD.
The leadership team includes executive director Jim Wambach, community engagement manager Bronwyn Harris, Director of Development Chelsea Boniak, Press Inquiries contact Eric Steckel, and Volunteer Opportunities contact Julia Melancon. Tutors and volunteers describe their experiences in the program through testimonials from Path2Math and Succeeding by Reading tutors, including comments on student reading progress, personal motivation to support children, and the training and ongoing evaluation provided by the Children Rising team.
Last updated May 13, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.