Shivangi Sinha
Tutoring culture at home with just a few kids is a very different experience, as children often learn more effectively when placed in a collaborative, interactive environment that encourages discussion and peer support. Recognizing this, in ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ season 17, episode 15, R1SE presented their innovative solution. It is a dedicated learning space designed to foster interaction, engagement, and hands-on tutoring. They emphasize group participation and guided instruction, which makes learning both social and structured. At the same time, they promise to enhance comprehension and retention for students in a way that traditional at-home setups often cannot replicate.
R1SE: Who Are They And What Do They Do?
Heather and Trevor Szafranski are the dynamic duo behind R1SE Education & Recreation, an innovative point of tutoring, recreation, and childcare that has transformed how students engage with learning. Heather’s professional background spans nearly two decades in human resources, including her current role as Global HR Director for Finance & Corporate Strategy at Dow. Her career includes roles as Senior HR Partner, Global Payroll Track Lead, and Site HR Manager, and she holds a BSBA in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Central Michigan University. Her extensive experience in leadership, mentoring, and coaching has been pivotal in shaping R1SE’s approach to education.
Trevor brings an equally strong foundation in education and youth development. Drawing on years of experience in running before- and after-school programs, he co-founded R1SE in Freeland, Michigan, in 2019. The center expanded to Midland in 2022, with additional locations planned for Franklin in fall 2026 and Frankenmuth. Trevor’s vision was to create a space where students are not only supported academically but also inspired through interactive recreation and mentorship, giving families their evenings back while making learning fun and engaging.
Together, Heather and Trevor leveraged their combined expertise in corporate leadership, education, and youth mentorship to design a facility where students want to be, not have to be. At R1SE, children receive homework support, personalized tutoring, and access to state-of-the-art recreational spaces. Their model emphasizes collaboration, goal-setting, and confidence-building, ensuring students leave each session motivated, accomplished, and empowered. Their work has made a measurable impact on the community, demonstrating how professional expertise and a passion for education can come together to create transformative experiences for young learners.
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R1SE: Where Are They Now?
R1SE has become a highly sought-after destination for students because it goes far beyond traditional tutoring. While academic support and mentoring remain at the heart of the experience, the center offers an impressive array of enrichment courses, including Jedi Training, Sign Language, Cookie Decorating, DJ and Public Speaking, and many more. These programs allow students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that combine skill-building with fun, all rooted in a philosophy of positive reinforcement. Beyond academics, R1SE emphasizes recreation and creative exploration. The facility is equipped with a Ninja climbing gym, an art studio, a movie theatre, a video game lounge, a tech lab, and a fully stocked hands-on activity room.
Programs are flexible to fit family needs, running independently of the school calendar. During the School Year Program, families can customize schedules by selecting the number of days and hours, with two-hour experiences priced at $15 per hour for multi-student enrollment or $16 per hour for single students, and one-hour experiences at $17 and $18 per hour, respectively. Optional R1SE transportation is available for an additional $2 per hour, while school buses are provided at no extra cost. The R1SE & SHINE Morning Program for elementary students runs from 6:30 am to 8:30 am, with limited enrollment, flexible days, and a rate of $150 per month for unlimited days, with additional fees for enrichment courses.
In addition to these offerings, R1SE recently launched a High School Program in Freeland and Midland, providing instruction at $25 per hour with the same combination of academic support, enrichment activities, and recreation tailored to older students. By integrating learning, mentorship, and engaging recreational opportunities, R1SE creates a balanced and inspiring environment where children of all ages can reach their full potential, enjoy new experiences, and leave each session energized and motivated.
