TI: SHINE is one of the most important programs at Torah Institute because it reflects a core belief of our school: every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. SHINE provides the resources, support, and expertise needed to help students overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential. For some children that means extra academic help, while for others it means specialized instruction, counseling, or targeted interventions. At its heart, SHINE is about making sure every student has what he needs to thrive.

BJH: Who benefits from SHINE?

TI: The simple answer is: almost everyone. While SHINE provides direct services to students who need additional support, its impact extends throughout the entire school. More than 370 students are touched by SHINE services each year. Every grade benefits from some form of targeted support, helping ensure that teachers and rebbeim can meet the needs of every learner in their classrooms.

BJH: Many people may not realize how extensive the program is. Can you share some examples?

TI: Absolutely. SHINE employs 32 tutors who provide individualized support in Limudei Kodesh, Kriah, and General Studies. More than 200 students receive one-on-one tutoring and learning support annually. We also run 12 specialized instructional groups serving approximately 75 students. In addition, students make about 20 visits each day to our drop-in support room for assistance with classwork, tests, reteaching, and review.

BJH: Does SHINE focus only on academics?

TI: Not at all. Academic success is important, but children are more than grades and test scores. SHINE also provides counseling, social skills support, behavioral planning, and student guidance services that benefit approximately 90 students each year. We want students to feel confident, capable, and successful both inside and outside the classroom.

BJH: How does SHINE support Torah Institute's educational mission?

TI: One of the things that makes Torah Institute special is that we strive to see every child as an individual. SHINE allows us to live that value every day. Rather than pulling students away from the school experience, SHINE is woven seamlessly into it. Students receive the support they need while remaining fully connected to their rebbeim, teachers, classmates, and the broader school community.

BJH: What are some of the less visible aspects of the program?

TI: There is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes. Each year SHINE administers approximately 2,000 reading and Kriah assessments to track progress and identify student needs. The team develops around 30 individualized educational plans and works closely with parents, rebbeim, teachers, and outside professionals to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

BJH: Why is Torah Institute launching the RISE & SHINE campaign?

TI: Because programs like SHINE don't happen by accident. They require significant resources and ongoing investment. The annual SHINE budget is approximately $1.94 million and supports tutors, specialists, assessments, interventions, and educational programming. The RISE & SHINE campaign is an opportunity for our entire community to come together and help sustain a program that positively impacts so many students and families.

BJH: What would you like the community to know as the campaign approaches?

TI: I would want people to understand that SHINE is not simply a support program—it's a statement about who we are as a school. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind and that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Every family benefits from being part of a school that invests in its children this way. We hope the community will join us in celebrating and supporting a program that helps so many of our students rise—and shine.

The Torah Institute RISE & SHINE campaign, will take place June 22–25.