The Tutorial Learning Center on campus has saved CMU students’ grades before and a similar program at Riverside Educational Center is doing the same thing for their community. The Riverside Educational Center provides after school tutoring and activities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade who need an extra hand. Many CMU students, including the sociology club, were interested in this opportunity to help.
The program is mostly made up of volunteers from the local high schools, CMU and the community. Volunteers can tutor Riverside students from structured lesson plans, or get involved with the weekly enrichment activities the program offers.
Tutors dedicate two to six hours each week to spend with an individual student and help with homework assignments. The lesson plans range from basic math to literary support.
The REC also offers weekly enrichment activities that include cooking, physical fitness, art, music, cultural activities and career planning. The activities are geared toward students who may not have an opportunity to participate in those kinds of classes otherwise.
“When I first started five years ago, there were 25 students and five staff members,” CMU senior Kady Lafferty said.
Now the program has over 100 students, 12 staff members and over 70 volunteers.
“The growth shows the success of the program,” Lafferty said.
According to Co-Executive Director Mary Gonzales, a majority of the people who get involved with the program end up staying for several years.
“The minimum for volunteers is one night a week for two hours, but more often than not, volunteers end up spending more time than that here,” Gonzales said.
Members of the Sociology Club on campus have gotten involved with the program.
“It started as a service project, but now we’re planning on putting on an event for the Riverside community sometime next spring,” club member Cameron Ray said.
The program is funded through grants and private donations from businesses in the valley. CMU students who qualify for work-study can fulfill their hours working at the REC by tutoring, teaching enrichment classes, setting up classrooms and planning activities.
The program is based on academic and financial needs within the Riverside community.
“Riverside is extremely tight-knit. I became a part of the family right away when I came. The community is mostly latino, so language can be a bit of a barrier, but it’s all worth it,” Lafferty said.
Volunteers interested in getting involved with the program can find applications at www.rec4kids.com or call the volunteer coordinator, Becky Foster, at 970-270-5421. Volunteers have their backgrounds checked and participate in training before starting.

cmfoster@mavs.coloradomesa.edu