Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program
Helping community members transform their lives through enhanced literacy
At the Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program (RAALP), we empower adults with literacy skills through one-on-one and small group tutoring in Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). Our personalized approach helps learners achieve meaningful goals that transform their lives.
Maria, a 75-year-old RAALP student since 2016, achieved her lifelong dream this year by becoming a U.S. citizen and voting for the first time as an American. Paired with her dedicated tutor since 2018, Maria has worked diligently, meeting twice a week (except during COVID) to build her English proficiency and prepare for the citizenship exam. Together, they set and achieved small, meaningful goals over the years, steadily building Maria’s confidence and skills. Her perseverance paid off, culminating in this remarkable accomplishment that has deeply inspired her peers and community. Maria describes her tutor as “the best tutor ever” and is now excited to help other students whose goal is citizenship.
RAALP also expanded its impact this year by offering small group tutoring at Darrin’s Place, a local rehabilitation center, and increasing our reach to serve more learners.
____
The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to our August topic of Education.
The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
By making high-quality music education accessible to more than 2,000 young people each year, the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus is helping students build confidence, creativity, and community. Through lessons, ensembles, and school partnerships, the organization is inspiring the next generation of musicians across northern New Mexico.
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas
Through hands-on learning at New Mexico Heritage Days, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas helps thousands of students experience the state's history firsthand, creating meaningful connections across generations.
Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association
Each year, the Chimayo Cultural Preservation Association's San Isidro Day celebration brings neighbors of all ages together to honor Chimayó's acequia traditions through blessing the water, planting the community garden, and passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
