At Elevate Phoenix, our mission is to build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth. One of the ways we achieve this is through our RISE program. RISE stands for Relationships, Instruction, Support, and the Equipping of our post-secondary students. This summer, we are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our RISE graduates.
What is RISE?
The RISE program is a college summer initiative designed specifically for our high school graduates. Offered in partnership with South Mountain Community College, RISE provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits while exploring their post-secondary options. Our graduates have diverse paths ahead of them, including continuing with college, attending a trade school or certificate program, joining the military, or entering the workforce.
The Journey of Our Graduates
This summer, our RISE graduates have made us incredibly proud. Each student has identified a post-secondary plan that aligns with their passions and goals. Here’s a glimpse of their chosen paths:
- Ismael received a full-tuition scholarship to Bellevue University for four years.
- Kaprece landed an amazing opportunity to participate in the Impact Institute Summer Program at UCLA.
- Nico Bell Bank selected him as the recipient of their Pay It Forward program.
These are just a few examples of the many success stories from our RISE program. Each graduate has worked hard to reach this milestone, and we are honored to have been a part of their journey.
Exposing Students to New Opportunites
One of the primary goals of the RISE program is to expose students to college and help them make informed decisions about their future. Through the completion of a summer program, students gain valuable college credits and get a taste of college life. This exposure is crucial in helping them decide their next steps.
In addition to the college experience, our students also participated in various workshops designed to prepare them for the future. This year, we hosted the following workshops:
- Financial Literacy & Taxes: Teaching students how to manage their finances and understand taxes.
- College/University Connections: Providing information about different colleges and universities, and helping students connect with admissions representatives.
- Exposure to Military/Armed Forces & Trades: Offering insights into military careers and trade professions.
- Exposure to Post-Secondary Careers: Highlighting various career options available after high school.
Leadership and Life Skills Development
Our commitment to student development doesn’t stop with high school graduates. For our younger students, we offer a summer camp that provides leadership and life skills development. High school leaders get the opportunity to mentor elementary students, reinforcing the importance of community and responsibility.
The summer camp is open to all students from kindergarten to eighth grade and is held at one of our partner high schools. Each day, students are provided with a free breakfast and lunch, ensuring they have the nutrition they need to thrive. The camp includes fun and educational activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, and team-building exercises.
End of Program Celebration
To wrap up the summer program, we held an End of Program Celebration. This event was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the hard work and achievements of our students. Families, friends, and community members joined us to celebrate the graduates and all the participants of our summer camp. The celebration included speeches from students and staff, showcasing the impact of the program on their lives.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to the future, we are excited about the continued growth and success of our RISE program. We are committed to supporting our students every step of the way, helping them achieve their dreams and build brighter futures.
At Elevate Phoenix, we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Through programs like RISE, we are making that belief a reality. Congratulations to all our RISE graduates – we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
For more information about our programs or to get involved, please contact us directly. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of urban youth.