Rising TIDE @ MKEC

Guided by our core values of Integrity, Unity and Making a Difference, Rising TIDE has served Long Beach's overwhelming need for an after-school education & development program in a safe and supportive environment for over 20 years. 

Our success can be attributed to our philosophy of creating a family-like, nurturing environment where participants learn and grow together, bonding with staff and volunteers to help provide stability, as young people look to them for positive guidance. Our “golden ratio” which is one staff/volunteer to every three students model is vital for this philosophy to be attained. 

Rising TIDE opens its doors to all young people at no cost—without religious requirements. 

A majority of our students and families are the most vulnerable in our community facing economic and housing disparities. With that in mind, we believe that it is crucial for us to be a multifaceted resource that comes alongside them with food distribution, tech support, information about community resources, Work Preparedness (for young people), and curriculum that is relevant and impactful for day-to-day life. 

Our curriculum features educational programming in reading and literacy, science-technology-engineering-mathematics (STEM), the arts, life-skills, health/self-care/nutrition/wellness, and specialized programming. For instance, our recent summer-intensive program covered all of these areas just mentioned through an Olympic theme, inspiring young people to apply themselves, to become more aware of the world, and more informed for when the Olympics will be in their backyard in 2028.

Many of our students begin with us as toddlers and stay through high school graduation, returning to the program as volunteers and staff where they learn work ethics to prepare themselves for college and employment. 

It is truly a testament to the lifelong commitment we make to our young people and vice versa when former participants enroll their children in our program and return as staff/volunteers. 

Currently, we are reaching over 280 children and youth - either virtually or in-person.

Testimonials

Quotes from young children:

"I really like getting help with my homework." 

"I don't want to go home!"

Quotes from youth:

"I've grown a lot mentally and physically here!"

"I can let go here & express myself!"

Quotes from staff:

"Having grown up in the Rising TIDE program, it’s incredibly fulfilling to now give back as a staff member. Watching our students thrive in the same supportive environment that shaped me is truly rewarding."

"I’ve been part of Rising TIDE since I was a baby, and now, after working here for three years, I can truly say this place has helped me mature. The environment and the people have all contributed to making me a better person today."

Quotes from volunteers:

"I've been a volunteer at Rising TIDE for 5 years. Working alongside young people brightens my day. I love watching them blossom and grow."

“As a volunteer, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the exciting projects Rising TIDE undertakes and to watch the kids grow and flourish. Their progress and enthusiasm make every moment worthwhile.”