RISE Program

RISE

Rooted in strength. Rising with purpose.

Empowering underrepresented youth through long-term guidance, academic support and community connection.

What is RISE?

More than support - RISE is a launchpad

RISE is a community-based mentoring and academic program that walks alongside middle and high school students - many of whom are navigating systems not built with them in mind.
Formed by the merger of two trusted programs - the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program (PSMP) and the College & Career Discovery Program (CCDP) - RISE continues a legacy of relationship based support.
We build personal connections with youth and families helping them not only succeed in school but discover their full potential. Our mission is to help each participant RISE into who they dream of becoming and help them find the path to that future.
RISE consists of short and long-term components designed to help youth build the skills they need to succeed while having fun and developing a sense of community with their peers.
This new model allows our team to serve more youth in new and different ways while staying true to what matters.

Why it Matters

Our students have big dreams. We make sure they have the support to chase them.

Strong Relationships - We know that our work depends on developing relationships with our participants - we work hard to develop rapport, and trust with the youth in our program.
Whole-Child Support - We address emotional, academic, and social needs - because success is more than grades.
Family Engagement - We walk with families as they navigate school and other systems, offering tools, advocacy, and encouragement.
Representation & Belonging - We serve students from backgrounds historically marginalized in education and other areas of the community including youth of color, refugees and immigrants, low-income households, communities lacking in resources (both rural & urban, and LGBTQIA+ youth.

What we do

From Homework Help to Mental Health—It’s All Connected

We work to ensure that youth experience a culture of empowerment, community connection, and are equipped with the skills to embrace their identity and navigate life with resilience, empathy, and purpose.

What does that look like?

After-school Support

9th graders will have access to staff and tutors through office hours a couple of times a week to help guide them as they navigate their 1st year of high school.
Seniors will have access to staff and resources to help them as they prepare for their next chapters, whether it is higher education or something else.

Skill-Building and Enrichment

9th graders will participate in fun, interactive monthly activities that allow them to explore their identities, build confidence, strengthen their relationships, develop conflict resolution and advocacy skills, and expand their community connections.
Seniors will have periodic opportunities to get together and socialize while also doing projects, college campus visits, or community service.
6th graders will have the opportunity to participate in weekly after-school programming for 6-weeks focused on developing social skills, self identity, self regulation and empathy... all while having fun and building friendships.
Beginning in January, we will add a component for 7th graders that will will also meet weekly for 6-weeks learning to build community, advocate appropriately for themselves and others, overcome obstacles through active, fun interactive activities.

Family Engagement

Whether it is family dinners, school meeting support, transportation assistance or just ongoing communication, staff work hard to ensure families feel included and informed.

Legacy & Impact

Decades of Support. Generations of Impact.

RISE is built on the foundation of two deeply impactful local programs:

The Paul Schreurs Memorial Program began in the early 1990s, offering wraparound support to students facing systemic barriers to education. With a 90% graduation rate, PSMP made lasting change by building trust—with students, schools, and families.

The College & Career Discovery Program launched in 2008, supporting students from 5th grade through college entry with mentoring, leadership development, and enrichment experiences. Over 88% of its students attended college.

These programs served hundreds of youth in our community. Their commitment to long-term relationships, equity, and excellence lives on through RISE.

Look for information in the coming year about .... scholarship stuff here.

Volunteer With Us

You can change a life - just by showing up.

Volunteers and Tutors are the heartbeat of RISE. We're always looking for people who are ready to build relationships and make a difference. No teaching experience required - just time consistency and heart.

Volunteers commit to participating in our weekly programs with 6th graders for 6 weeks. All it takes is a willingness to join in and have fun with whatever activity is happening that day.
Tutors support students during the after-school office hours - whether it is helping with homework or preparing for a test or helping with projects.

Whether you're a college student or a local resident, your presence matters more than you know.

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