|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Education nonprofit Achieve Miami hosted an Achieve SPARK (Succeeding with Purpose, Athletics, Reading, and Kindness) enrichment session on Saturday, Jan. 24, at Riverside Elementary School, bringing together elementary students, high school mentors, and returning alumni volunteers in recognition of National Mentorship Month.
The biweekly weekend program pairs elementary students, known as Little Buddies, with high school volunteers, known as Big Buddies, for a morning of hands-on tutoring, literacy activities, mentorship sessions, and sports and wellness programming. The session highlighted Achieve Miami’s long-standing focus on relationship driven mentorship and its “Once a Big Buddy, Always a Big Buddy” model, which encourages volunteers to remain connected to the program as mentors and role models over time.
The January session featured returning Achieve alumni who previously volunteered as Big Buddies and are now coming back to support the program again. Many are now college graduates and young professionals, demonstrating the long-term connections Achieve SPARK builds with volunteers and the organization’s commitment to creating ongoing pathways for mentors to stay involved over time.
“Mentorship is at the heart of everything we do,” said Rachel Saiontz Geary, Achieve Miami’s director of philanthropy. “When students build relationships with mentors who show up consistently, it builds confidence, strengthens academic growth, and helps young people see what is possible for their future. Seeing our alumni return and volunteer years later is one of the most meaningful reminders of that impact.”
Formerly known as Achieve Saturdays, Achieve SPARK was launched in fall 2025 as a refreshed version of the nonprofit’s long running weekend program. The updated model incorporates themed enrichment days, athletics, wellness programming, and mentorship from high school volunteers. The program now operates at five school sites across Miami Dade County, creating consistent learning opportunities that help students stay engaged throughout the school year.
During a time when declining enrollment and funding challenges are limiting access to enrichment programs across the district, Achieve Miami continues to expand its reach through new partnerships, mentorship initiatives, and community support.
Since its founding, Achieve Miami has served more than 15,000 students through weekend, summer, and year-round enrichment programs. By bringing together students, educators, and community partners, the nonprofit continues to strengthen educational access and provide meaningful learning experiences across Miami Dade County.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
