Summer Programs 2025

This is Evan Sanchez’s second summer as a Tutor-Mentor at One City Schools. Partner Teacher Danay Cruz said Evan is “awesome” — “genuine, responsible, reliable” —and encourages him to become a teacher. Evan wants to become an auto mechanic, but now thinks he might also like to teach part-time.

Root 2 Rise marks the fourth year of its partnership with One City Schools this summer when 11 students from West High School serve as Tutor-Mentors in K-5 classrooms.

Four high school students (two from West High School and two from Capital High School) will inaugurate the program at the Lighthouse Christian School. 

A Fitchburg Healthy Neighborhoods grant allows five high school students from Fitchburg to participate. “Root 2 Rise taught me to be myself and to be adaptable,” said Santiago Toa. “It’s fun — a good part of my summer.”

Program coordinator Joseph Thigpen Jr .said Lighthouse may train Tutor-Mentors when it opens a  high school next year.

Coordinating the program is a labor of love for Thigpen, who credits Root 2 Rise for his decision to pursue a career in education. After five years as an educator, he will now enroll in college full time, thanks to financial support from Root 2 Rise Thrive. He has also been chosen to participate in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Odyssey Program.

“I see myself in the Tutor-Mentors I help,” Thigpen said. “It’s incredibly satisfying to know that, like me, Root 2 Rise can give them  the confidence to pursue goals that might seem out of reach.”