It wasn’t a headline-grabbing award ceremony. No cameras flashing. No ribbon-cutting. But for Riverside Education Centers (REC), the recent state grant approval felt like hitting the jackpot — quietly, but with long-lasting impact.
The nonprofit, known for its after-school programs across Mesa County, was one of several recipients of new funding through Colorado’s House Bill 24-1331. That means more support, more planning power, and — most importantly — more stability in a field where day-to-day survival is often the norm.
Grant Provides Breathing Room — and a Boost of Confidence
Running a nonprofit isn’t for the faint-hearted. You chase grants, host fundraisers, write newsletters, and knock on doors. Every dollar counts. And stability? It’s usually a luxury.
Kristen Lummis, Development Associate at REC, put it bluntly: “To keep the doors open, funds perpetually have to be raised.” She wasn’t being dramatic. That’s the reality for most grassroots education organizations.
But this time, the state came through. The three-year Out-of-School Time (OST) Grant, funded through HB24-1331, means REC can exhale — at least a little.
“It’s not just about money,” Lummis said. “It’s about being able to plan ahead.”
Even better, it sends a message that what they’re doing matters. Really matters.
House Bill 24-1331: Investing in Kids Beyond the School Bell
So what’s in the bill, exactly? Passed in August 2024, HB24-1331 committed $3.5 million from Colorado’s General Fund to support after-hours education for K-12 students. Not just homework help — but full-on academic enrichment, social learning, safe environments, and even job readiness.
Here’s what the OST Grant supports:
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Academic tutoring and mentoring
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Enrichment through arts, science, and culture
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Social-emotional learning and wellness programs
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Life skills and workforce readiness activities
Riverside checked all the boxes.
Crystal Garcia Becenti, Development Director at REC, said the award “validates the work we do.” And it’s not just lip service — it reflects years of rolling up sleeves, mentoring kids, and building trust with families.
“It’s proof that our efforts have impact,” she said. “And that’s what really fuels us.”
Not Expansion Yet — But Doors Are Opening
Here’s what the grant isn’t: a blank check. No one at REC is talking about new buildings or satellite locations — not yet, anyway. The staff is grounded, realistic.
Still, they’re optimistic. With new funds covering part of their baseline operations, it frees up energy to think bigger.
“There are no official expansion plans right now,” Lummis clarified. “But this opens the door to strengthening what we already do.”
What might that look like?
• More robust after-school programming
• Enhanced staff training
• Broader student outreach in underserved communities
• Stronger partnerships with local schools and nonprofits
That’s the kind of stuff that matters. Quiet, maybe — but powerful.
The Grant Is a Signal: Out-of-School Learning Matters
Lummis made a point that’s easy to overlook. “This isn’t just about REC,” she said. “It’s about the recognition that learning doesn’t stop at 3 p.m.”
That may seem obvious. But in policy circles, it’s been a long time coming.
Out-of-school programs used to be seen as extras. Now, with more working parents, wider learning gaps, and growing needs for social-emotional support, they’re essential.
“This is a vote of confidence,” she said. “The state is saying loud and clear — after-school education matters.”
Here’s a snapshot of the OST Grant landscape:
| Grant Program | Year Introduced | Total Funds | Eligible Recipients | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OST Grant | 2024 | $3.5 million | Nonprofit youth organizations | 3 years |
REC wasn’t the only recipient — and that’s a good thing. It means more kids across the state are getting what they need outside the traditional classroom.
Why It Feels Personal for Staff and Families
If you talk to people at REC long enough, you realize this isn’t just a job for them.
Some of the team are former educators. Others are parents. Some grew up in the very neighborhoods they now serve. And that personal connection shows.
“We’re not just offering programs,” Becenti said. “We’re giving kids a space to feel seen. To explore. To ask questions.”
And parents notice. One mom, who asked not to be named, said the program “kept her son from falling through the cracks” after switching schools mid-year.
“They didn’t just help with math homework,” she said. “They asked how he was doing. That meant more than anything.”
What’s Next? Quiet Momentum — and a Little More Hope
The funny thing about nonprofit funding is this: no matter how big or small, every grant changes the equation.
REC now has the green light to think ahead — not just react.
They’re not promising flashy upgrades or overnight transformation. But they’re promising something that might be even better: consistency.
And in education, especially after school, consistency can be everything.
