Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts Education, Children & Youth, Education, Educational Services, Literacy, Remedial Reading & Encouragement, Youth Development Programs

Mission: Beyond Basics works to change the destinies of students’ lives by guiding and supporting at-risk children in grades K-12 through literacy, literacy-enrichment and community partnership programs. Through intensive one-on-one tutoring by trained staff, we get children reading at grade level in just 4 to 14 weeks.

Target demographics: Beyond Basics works to help at-risk youth develop in mind and spirit—nurturing their abilities, self-confidence and the impact that they will one day have on their communities.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 7,451 students (including students in Brazil, India, Philippines and South Africa through the Beyond Basics International Art & Writing Project).

Geographic areas served: Public schools in Metro Detroit. Our reach extends internationally through the International Art & Writing Project.

Programs: -- “Read to Rise” reading program: We provide one-on-one, intensive, on-site tutoring services to students in grades K-12 during regular school hours. Our students work with a trained tutor for one hour sessions on a regular schedule, promoting trust and consistency. This gives students the opportunity to focus on learning, without the distractions of overcrowded classrooms or disruptive home environments. The program also involves a large number of volunteer mentors or “Reading Buddies, ” who assist the tutors by reading to or with the children to help hone their reading skills. -- Expanding Horizons: In addition to tutoring, we provide a variety of experiences – art, writing, field trips, cultural and professional programs – to help students develop a multitude of tools for future success. -- The International Art & Writing Project: Through use of art and writing, this program reinforces literacy, encourages creativity and fosters students’ awareness and understanding of each other and the world around them.