Over a decade of service helping to empower families ease their children's transition from high school to college.

Our Motto

No child should be left behind, nor turned around due to a lack of funding and knowledge to go away to college.

What We Do

College Readiness Workshops

We provide free in-person and virtual workshops. On topics that prepare students for college.

View Workshops

Scholarships

We help students apply for scholarships. We also provide a scholarship at the end of the school year to graduating seniors.

Apply Here

We provide Youth Mentors

To offer a unique experience we pair youth mentors with students that could answer their questions, help on forms, and keep them motivated.

Become a RISE Volunteer

Become a RISE Student

Donate to RISE

Make a Donation

Upcoming Events

Sat, Jun 29
Campus Life
Sherman Park, Chicago
RSVP
Jun 29, 2024, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sherman Park, Chicago, 1301 W 52nd St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
Want to know what its like living on or off a college campus? Join us on June 29th for a panel discussion featuring several college students, recent graduates, and RISE alumni! Discussion will include topics such as campus safety, greek life, student jobs, and more. Bring your family and questions!
Sat, Jul 13
Career Exploration
Harper High School, Chicago
RSVP
Jul 13, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Harper High School, Chicago, 6520 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60636, USA
Are you prepared for college or trade school? Meet with us on July 13th to discuss what you need to know about 'life after high school' so you're prepared after graduation! Presenters will include RISE alumni, trade school students, and college students.
Sat, Jul 27
Trunk Party (for essay contest winners & their guests ONLY)
Sherman Park, Chicago
RSVP
Jul 27, 2024, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Sherman Park, Chicago, 1301 W 52nd St, Chicago, IL 60609, USA
Submit an essay by June 5th (details below) for the chance to receive a college-supply trunk or $100 gift card! Winners, along with their family & friends, are invited to join us for a celebration party with snacks. Come socialize with other youth of Chicago and celebrate your accomplishments!

TESTIMONIALS

ALEXIS BROWN / '2020

DAMARI GANDY / UIC / '2016

“THE RISE FOUNDATION HAS HELPED ME MENTALLY PREPARE FOR ALL THAT COLLEGE HAS TO OFFER AS WELL AS HELPED ME FILL OUT A NUMER OF COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS IN AN EFFORT TO PAY MY TUITION. IN ADDITION, WALMART, A SPONSOR OF THE RISE FOUNDATION, HELPED FURNISH MY DORM ROOM WHICH HELPED ME SAVE MONEY ON DOOM ROOM SUPPLIES."

"ONE OF THE REASONS I JOINED THE RISE FOUNDATION WAS TO INTERACT WITH MY PEOPLE. I WENT TO A PREDOMINATELY WHITE HIGH SCHOOL AND IT'S HARD TO RELATE TO PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT LIKE ME. I"M NOT FROM THE INNER CITY, I"M FOMD THE SUBURBS AND I WANTED TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THAT. WE HAVE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER, GROW, AND LEARN WITH EACH OTHER. I LOVE BEING A PART OF 'GIRLS IN PEARLS' AND THE RISE FOUNDATION BECAUSE IT'S A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO GROW AND LEARN."

WE HELP UNDERSERVED AND AT-RISK CHILDREN REACH A COLLEGE EDUCATION AND RISE ABOVE THE EXPECTATIONS.

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Triana Meyers N.I.U C/O 2018