Dedicated experts with a proven record of success.

RISE operates from a pedagogical foundation that asserts the greater a student’s academic need, the more important the experience of the teacher. This simple belief in the importance of talented, seasoned instructors distinguishes RISE from other supplemental educational service providers.

Thus, RISE-DC’s instructors are professional tutors who work at a reduced rate to educate some of Washington’s most struggling students. With an average experience level of twenty years, RISE’s tutors are experts in their fields. Whether it is breaking down the syllables of a word, the parts to a math problem or just finding what makes our unique scholars tick, RISE’s professionals get to the core of their students’ needs.

Staff in our partner schools could not be happier with RISE’s work, and they like to draw the distinction between the quality of service that RISE provides with that of other organizations that only enlist inexperienced volunteer tutors. Most of the students are suffering from major deficits in conceptual understanding and a lack of success. Because of this, for instance, they require a tutor who:

  • understands the academic terrain from many angles

  • can present ideas in multiple ways that have been tested through practice and refinement

  • can quickly and flexibly assess their understanding on a concept and can ensure that the appropriate level of rigor is being met

  • can build a rapport with students by displaying confidence and skill with the material, gauge their emotional state and respond accordingly

 
 

Having grown up in Washington, DC, Ricardo believes that educational equality, access to resources, and quality mentorship will close educational gaps and level the playing field for all youth.

Ricardo Cooper

Executive Director, RISE Washington, D.C.

 
 

Program Managers, Tutors

 

Dr. Jeanne Guerrero Programs Development Manager

Cherrye Jeter
Program Manager - “Keep Up” Tutoring

Bethlehem Harris
Program Manager - College Prep Plus

Anthony Leonardo
Mathematics & Physical Science Tutor

Bruce Copeland
Mathematics Tutor

Amy Sawyer
Language Arts Tutor

David Thurston
Language Arts & Humanities Tutor

Frank Rettenberg
Mathematics Tutor

Katy Mead
Spanish & ESOL Tutor

Kevin Gima
Mathematics & Physical Science Tutor

Mary Lincer
Language Arts & Humanities Tutor

Samantha Forsythe
Mathematics Tutor

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Supporters, Partners, Board Members

 
 

FOUNDATIONS

RISE would like to thank the following foundations which have supported us throughout the years :

  • Share Fund

  • John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation

  • Nirman Foundation

  • Russel R. Taylor Foundation

  • Clark-Winchcole Foundation

  • Rotary Foundation of Washington D.C

  • Hattie Strong Foundation

  • Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ

SUPPORTERS

RISE would also like to thank the following people and organizations for their in-kind services or donations of supplies :

PARTNERS

  • Learn24

  • Anacostia High School

  • CityTutor DC

  • Sitar Arts Center

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

  • Bill Gruen and Margaret McDonald

  • Ryan Bateman

  • Michael J. Fine

  • Andrew and Alicia Prevost

  • James and Monica Dowling

  • Michael and Afsaneh Beschloss

  • Duncan E. and Pamela Goldie-Morrison

  • Margo and Jake LaMotta

  • David Sislen

  • Catherine Connor and Michael Timmeny

  • Michael Kellogg

  • Chris and Julie Brigham

  • Nancy Riker

  • Susan and David Steel

  • Tom and Bevra Krattenmaker

BOARD MEMBERS

  • James Dowling (Chair), Senior Vice President, Fidelity Institutional Asset Management

  • Braswell Chappelle, University of Arizona and RISE alumnus

  • Brittney Robinson, Retired Teacher Office of Contracting Procudent

  • Andrew Prevost, Senior Vice President, Retirement, NFP

  • Pam Goldie-Morrison, Bradden in Capital Management