Core Programs – Raising Expectations

Core Programs

Raising Expectations. Realizing Results.

What We Do

Each of our programs is designed to meet our students and their families where they are.

When they begin their journey, each of our students is assessed to determine skill gaps as well as their unique social and emotional needs. From there, we create individualized plans, working with a wide range of service providers and school officials to provide wrap-around support to students and their families.

Our programs focus heavily on STE(A)M learning, which are the areas where low-wealth students tend to struggle the most academically. However, we find it increasingly important to focus on activities that support students’ social and emotional health.

We recognize that the challenges facing each student are highly personal; therefore, our roadmaps to success must be personal as well. We work with youth, families, and partner organizations to coordinate whatever support is necessary to ensure that students graduate from high school on time and successfully embark on their post-secondary journeys.

Our Core Programs

Empowering youth in crisis with holistic support that helps them graduate on time and activate post-secondary plans.

Project DREAM

Project DREAM (Developing Raised Expectations of Adolescent Minds) serves grades 5-8 through a high-impact weekly structure: three days of academic tutorials and one day of enrichment. Using three instructional blocks—Homework Assistance, Academic Enrichment, and Learning Labs—we bridge achievement gaps. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy social discovery trips to places like the Botanical Gardens, broadening their perspectives through experiences they otherwise could not access.

Project STEMWARE

Project STEMWARE (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math While Accomplishing Raised Expectations), for grades 9-12, provides math/science tutorials, college coaching, and STEM career exploration to drive economic empowerment. By preparing students for high-demand fields, we ensure they define their own futures. Our impact is proven: over the last five years, 97% of participants in the program for 3+ years have graduated high school and transitioned to postsecondary education or credentialed career training.

Project RISE

In Project RISE (Raising Interest in STEM Education), a summer pathfinder program, students participate in informative, interactive lesson plans in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Through project-based learning, Project RISE cultivates interest in STEM subject areas while also developing students’ ability to think creatively. Throughout the camp, students typically receive 56 – 84 hours of instruction.

YouthWORK

As an extension of Project STEMWARE, current high school students apply to transition into our YouthWORK Program, where they earn performance credits in a simulated workplace environment. For 4 – 6 weeks, students develop workplace readiness skills and explore career opportunities, all while preparing themselves for the upcoming school year. This summer pathfinder program culminates each summer with a Mock Interview Competition, with judges volunteering from a wide range of sectors.

Project ELEVATE!

Project ELEVATE! assists RE’s college students with tutoring, mentorship, course selection, career coaching, networking, and preparing for summer internships. It also connects students with scholarship opportunities and other sources of funding. ELEVATE! ensures that there are no gaps or interruptions in students’ studies, helping first-generation college-goers navigate their college experience so that they can graduate and transition into their career pathway of choice.

Project REstart

Project REstart provides young adults (ages 18-24) who have experienced unfortunate life circumstances an opportunity to get their lives back on track. These individuals each work with an RE career coach to identify career paths and life plans that will allow them to become self-sufficient.