Grant Request Raton Community Development Collaborative

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form


Organization Name: Raton Community Development Collaborative
Legal Name (if Different): Raton Community Development Collaborative
Also Known As: RatonCDC
Mailing Address: 19 N Mesa Loop
City: Raton
State: NM
Postal Code: 87740-9760
Main Phone: 5754474561
Main Fax: 5754453130
Organization Website: https://ratoncdc.org
Employer ID Number: 93-3539443
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information


Today’s Date: February 1, 2025
Requested Amount: 10000

Project Title: Raton Reading Proficiency Project
Project Description:

The NM Public Education Department Report Card for the 2023-2024 academic year shows that only 39% of our students are proficient in reading. We will offer an out-of-school time (OST) program to pilot an alternative online reading proficiency application designed to improve reading proficiency. Improvement results will be reported to the Raton Board of Education for consideration in purchasing this alternative program for use in subsequent school years.

The online application is MindPlay Reading Ultra by Essential Education and will require purchasing 30 licenses as well as paying for two part-time teachers (1 teacher to 15 students ratio) to administer the program. The program will also require a monthly rental fee (including utilities) of $1,200 per month. The target population will be 6th & 7th graders. We will utilize a previously established computer training center designed to accommodate 30 participants.

MindPlay Reading Ultra is a virtual reading program designed to provide research-based reading instruction and offers data-driven insights to support student progress. It utilizes adaptive technology to create personalized learning plans for each student, focusing on key areas like phonics, grammar, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and phonemic awareness. MindPlay Reading Ultra is grounded in research on effective reading instruction, including the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham approaches, ensuring that the program’s strategies and activities align with best practices. MindPlay Reading Ultra has earned ESSA Tier 3 recognition for its effectiveness in enhancing reading instruction, demonstrating its impact on student achievement.

Total Project Budget: $76,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Proliteracy, NM Children’s Foundation, Rapoport Foundation

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Raton, New Mexico
Age Group To Be Served: 6th & 7th graders

Contact Information


Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr.
Contact First Name: Paul
Contact Last Name: Jenkins
Contact Title: President
Contact Phone: (575) 447-4561
Contact Email: Paul@RatonCDC.org