Spring Forward

Spring Forward provides free out-of-school time programs to individuals who are in need of academic assistance in Rock Island and Milan Illinois. Our programs include after-school, intersession and summer enrichment programming for children as well as an adult literacy programs for English Learners. Our work is focused in neighborhoods and schools where we have identified the greatest needs. Our Board and Staff are committed to our community and every year we create new relationships with children families teachers funders and community partners. Our five-year strategic plan completed in 2019 has provided the framework for us to increase and enhance programs every year. The families we serve face many obstacles that can potentially derail their journey to a healthy rewarding and productive life. Our out-of school time and literacy programs help children and families by inspiring learning providing safe and supportive environments and giving students the essential supports they need to succeed. Spring Forward (SFLC) was originally created in 1999 as a mission project at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Rock Island Illinois. The volunteer tutoring program was supported by the generosity of church members and served less than 40 students from Audubon Elementary School. The original purpose of the program was to provide a safe after-school environment for children coupled with a little extra help with homework. In 2007 the growing need for after-school programming motivated the church to create a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization to support additional schools within the Rock Island community. In 2009 SF opened a second after-school campus at First Presbyterian Church in Milan to serve students from Ridgewood and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools. Since that year after school programs and summer enrichment camps have been steadily added each year In June 2015 SFLC moved its administrative offices to the Rock Island-Milan School District Administration Center. The move helped SF foster close working relationships with key district staff increase its network of community partners and gain increased access to resources needed to continually expand and improve its community-based out-of-school programs. By 2022, expansion of programs grew to reach more than 800 students at all nine elementary schools in the Rock Island-Milan School District, as well as expanding to two elementary schools in East Moline.

The mission of Spring Forward is to provide educational opportunities at no cost to enhance the lives of individuals in our community.