Spring Forward

A big shoutout to WQAD News 8 and reporter Marshawn Gunn for covering the “fun (not) in the sun” this week. Check out the story in the link below.

Spring Forward QCA keeps kids learning and cool during summer heat Spring Forward QCA is helping elementary students stay active, engaged and cool during a week of high temperatures in the Quad Cities.

Spring Forward's Summer Field Trip Fridays always feel good, but few things beat the joy of catching your very first fish!

Yesterday at Riverside Park Pond in Moline more than 60 students from Hamilton Elementary School took part in the Urban Fishing Program hosted by Illinois Department of Natural Resources....and lucky for us, the fish were biting!!

Students reeled in 36 fish (yes, we counted), and the echoes of "I caught my first fish!" could be heard across the pond all afternoon, with more than a dozen students experiencing that unforgettable "first."

Our friends at University of Illinois Extension Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, Stark added even more fun with hand-on activities for students taking a break from fishing.

At Spring Forward, we're proud to give students access to experiences they might not otherwise have and yesterday was a vivid reminder of why our mission matters!

Huge thanks and flowers to Illinois DNR, University of Illinois Extension and our amazing volunteers from Group O (and Parents!) for keeping the kids safe and the fish flying on this memorable afternoon.

Stay tuned for more moments of Students "Exploring the Environment" (our summer theme) in the coming weeks. Until then, enjoy the smiles!!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Spring Forward Fling this past Saturday at Mercado On Fifth event space.

It was a full house as supporters, partners, presenters and families filled the room to show their love for Spring Forward, and we couldn't be more grateful.

Thanks and flowers to everyone who helped make the night a smashing success, including:

Our sponsors at Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Mark Mayeski, Ascentra Credit Union, IHMVCU, Crawford Company, Eye Surgeons Associates, and Virdi Dental for making sure every dollar raised goes directly to serving our Students!

Our Community Partners who stepped up to join us (on a Saturday) and gave attendees a chance to experience the day in the life of a Spring Forward summer camper (Figge Art Museum, WQPT PBS, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Nika Loves Imagination, NEST Café Quad Cities, Iowa State University Extension.

Our performers and presenters: A'keyla Brown, Jeremiah Evans, Sam Tavernier and Dr. Giovanna Davila; and of course the Moline High School Band/Chamber Orchestra who provided the soundtrack for the evening.

Finally, THANK YOU to everyone who spent their Saturday night, time (and money!) at the Fling in support of Spring Forward Students.

We wouldn't be anything without the support of the entire Spring Forward community! Thank you all again for a night we will remember!