Edna W. Runner Education Center

What Edna W. Runner Education Center does

The Edna W. Runner Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1986 in Jupiter, Florida, that provides free after-school, summer camp, spring break, and enrichment programming to at-risk K-8 students and families in the West Jupiter/Limestone Creek community. Operating as West Jupiter Community Group (EIN #65-0137715) from a single campus at 7187 Edna Runner Way, the Center currently serves more than 125 students daily and has reached 3,000+ students cumulatively over its 40-year history. Programs include Aftercare & Tutoring, Summer Camp & Spring Break, STEAM, Music, Arts & Crafts, Garden, Trade, Wellness, and a Senior Program serving up to 75 seniors monthly, all delivered free to participants.

The Center's programming model rests on a co-teacher classroom structure, accredited operational standards (Green Apple Accreditation, Gold Seal Quality Care Program from the Division of Child and Family Services), and a curated network of institutional partners including Palm Beach County Schools, Florida Atlantic University, Lockheed Martin, Home Depot, the Lighthouse ArtCenter, and the Loggerhead MarineLife Center. A near-$2 million capital expansion in 2020 added dedicated science, music, and counseling rooms, a kitchen, playground, butterfly garden, and regulation basketball court. The Center reports that 91 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to programs.

The business model is donation- and grant-funded rather than tuition-based: revenue streams include individual donations (one-time, annual, monthly), corporate sponsorships (Adopt-a-Class, Adopt-a-Program, Corporate Connection, naming opportunities $250–$10,000+), foundation and government grants, special events (annual gala raised $395K+ in 2024), and memorial/tribute gifts. The Center is preparing to launch a new private elementary school (K-5) in August 2026, beginning with K-1, which introduces a tuition-bearing revenue line for the first time. Leadership includes Executive Director Travis Conway (a former student), Directors of Operations & Finance, Education, and Programs, plus teaching and operations staff, all governed by a community Board of Directors.

Name

Edna W. Runner Education Center

Legal name

West Jupiter Community Group

Website

https://ewrunnerctr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Edna W. Runner Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Jupiter, Florida, founded in 1986, providing free after-school, summer camp, and enrichment programs to 125+ at-risk K-8 students in the West Jupiter community, with a new private elementary school launching August 2026.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

After-School and Youth Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

Keywords

• After-school programs
• Youth enrichment services
• Nonprofit education
• Tutoring services
• Community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Jupiter

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting the center's programs. Donors can give one-time, annually, or become monthly donors. The center emphasizes that 91 cents of every dollar goes directly to programs.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor classrooms, programs, events, and facilities through the Adopt-a-Class, Adopt-a-Program, and Corporate Connection initiatives. Naming opportunities are available for classrooms and specific initiatives.
3. Grant Funding: Funding from foundations and government grants including Community Foundation, Children's Healthcare Charities, The Debly Foundation, Palm Beach County, Impact the Palm Beaches, and others. Grant funding supports specific programs like the Garden Project and Trade Program.
4. Special Events: Revenue generated from fundraising events including annual galas, Drive Shack golf challenges, holiday shop-a-thons, and community wellness fairs. The 2024 gala raised over $395,000.
5. Memorial & Tribute Gifts: Commemorative donations honoring loved ones through garden benches, memorial bricks, tree plantings, and naming opportunities starting at $250 to $10,000+.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Edna W. Runner Education Center is a nonprofit organization that provides free, accredited after-school care and academic tutoring for K-8 students, full-day summer and spring break camps, and a portfolio of enrichment programs in STEAM, music, arts, gardening, trades, and wellness. It also serves local seniors through a monthly social and wellness program and is launching a new private elementary school (K-5) opening August 2026.

Product overview

The Edna W. Runner Education Center is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational and community programs. The core offerings include an Aftercare & Tutoring Program (K-8), Summer Camp & Spring Break, and a new Elementary School (K-5 launching August 2026). These are supplemented by specialized programs including STEAM, Music, Arts & Crafts, Garden, Trade, Wellness, and Senior Programs. The center operates as a model afterschool program with the mission of serving at-risk students and families in the West Jupiter community, providing educational achievement support, character development, and family strengthening services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Simon's Giving Garden: An organic living vegetable, fruit and butterfly garden created in memory of Simon L. Baker, featuring 12 raised garden beds and 6 fruit trees.
• Edna's Community Preserve
• The Nature Walk Preserve

Products and services

• Aftercare & Tutoring Program Accredited, quality, and award-winning after-school program providing a safe and nurturing environment for K-8 students five days a week while schools are in session, including academic tutoring and homework help.
• Summer Camp & Spring Break Full-day program during summer and spring breaks allowing staff additional time to educate and support development of life skills, including field trips and guest speakers, designed to limit 'summer slide.'
• STEAM Program Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math program providing cutting-edge access to STEAM learning with support from Green Mouse Academy, Loggerhead MarineLife Center, and Florida Atlantic University.
• Music Program Music instruction program offering individual and small group music lessons, recorder lessons for elementary students, and piano or ukulele instruction for middle school students.
• Arts & Crafts Program Art programming offered through volunteers and programs like ArtReach from the Lighthouse ArtCenter, providing educational art experiences for underserved populations.
• Garden Program Innovative three-pronged garden program teaching students how food comes from the earth, with custom curriculum developed with University of Florida and local master gardeners.
• Trade Program Transformative program exposing students to professional, service, tech, and trade careers through modules including culinary, electronics, fashion design & sewing, design & drafting, auto, carpentry, and home renovation.
• Wellness Program Program promoting holistic well-being of families through an ecologically-based approach, addressing environment, parental capabilities, social support, family interactions, family safety, and child well-being.
• Senior Program Community-centered program offering social and wellness opportunities for seniors in the West Jupiter area, with up to 75 seniors gathering monthly.
• Elementary School (K-5) New private elementary school launching August 2026, beginning with Kindergarten - 1st Grade, adding one grade level each year up to 5th Grade, with certified teachers, small class sizes, co-teacher model, and personalized instruction.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,000+ students served since 1986
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Florida Atlantic UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partners in the Trade Program, providing exposure to professional and trade careers. Also supports STEAM programming through the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at FAU.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in the Trade Program, exposing students to professional and trade career opportunities through site visits and mentorship.
• Home DepotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner in the Trade Program, supporting carpentry and home renovation modules through expertise and resources.
• Lighthouse ArtCenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough their ArtReach program, provides educational art experiences for underserved populations at the Center, including an art teacher and art supplies.
• Grace NotesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic specialists providing instruction and support for the Music Program, enabling recorder lessons for elementary students and piano/ukulele instruction for middle schoolers.
• Green Mouse AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports STEAM programming at the Center, providing cutting-edge learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
• Loggerhead MarineLife CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports STEAM programming through educational marine life experiences and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Palm Beach County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for meals served to students through the Florida DOH Child Care Food Program, supporting food security for enrolled children.
• Palm Beach County Office of Community RevitalizationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides healthy food options to families at the Center, supporting the wellness program and community food security.
• Velocity Community Credit UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting sponsor of the Community Wellness Fun Fair, supporting family wellness initiatives and community engagement events.
• Cognizant Classic in the Palm BeachesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBirdies for Charity program partner - the Center was chosen as a participant with 100% of donations going directly to support students and families.
• FPL (Florida Power & Light)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompleted an incredible mural at the Center in just 3 days, enhancing the facility's appearance and inspiring students.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Junior Achievement USA: National nonprofit delivering K-12 financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education through in-school and after-school programs. Comparable in K-8 audience, educational enrichment focus, and corporate partnership funding model.
• 4-H: Youth development organization offering after-school clubs, STEM/STEAM, gardening, and service-learning programs. Comparable in target audience (K-8), enrichment focus, and nonprofit fundraising model.
• Communities In Schools: National nonprofit that places support staff inside schools to deliver integrated student supports, after-school, and enrichment. Comparable in serving at-risk K-8 students, school-co-located services, and donor-supported funding model.
• Police Athletic League (PAL): National nonprofit providing after-school programs, sports, and enrichment for at-risk youth in underserved neighborhoods. Comparable in mission, target demographic, and community-based free service model.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit operating after-school and summer programs for at-risk youth, with a similar mix of academic support, enrichment, and donor-funded operations. Most directly comparable nonprofit peer in mission, customer base, and program design.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: National nonprofit mentoring organization serving at-risk youth with site-based and community-based programs. Comparable in donor-funded model, K-8 target demographic, and community partnership approach.
• YMCA of the USA: National nonprofit providing after-school care, summer camps, swim/athletics, and youth enrichment at local branches. Directly comparable in program mix (after-school, summer, sports, tutoring) and community-based nonprofit model.
• After-School All-Stars: National nonprofit providing free after-school programs to low-income youth in Title I schools. Closest comparable in target demographic, free service model, and STEAM/enrichment curriculum.

Emerging players

• KIPP Foundation: National charter school network serving predominantly low-income students with extended-day and enrichment programming. Comparable in mission to serve at-risk students and in operating extended-day programs including summer; diverges in being a charter school network rather than a community nonprofit.

Regional players

• Florida After School Network: Florida-based coalition supporting the state's after-school and out-of-school-time industry through training, advocacy, and resources. Comparable in geographic focus and after-school program emphasis, but functions as an umbrella support organization rather than a direct service provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/373733119371082
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ewrunnerctr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Edna W. Runner Education Center