RISE Results
Meet Our Graduates
Gary
A proud member of the RISE Program since the age of 8, Gary was matched with an incredible mentor who helped shape his early years. At La Salle Academy and North Providence High School he excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the football team.
Gary experienced a devastating car accident in 2023 that nearly claimed his life. As Gary began the long and painful journey of relearning how to walk, his strength, resilience, and relentless will to recover became a source of inspiration to everyone around him.
Gary experienced a devastating car accident in 2023 that nearly claimed his life. As Gary began the long and painful journey of relearning how to walk, his strength, resilience, and relentless will to recover became a source of inspiration to everyone around him.
Meet Our Graduates
God'iss
Whether she was playing sports, maintaining a high GPA, or serving her school community, God’iss thrived by staying focused on her future. Her dream is to become a cosmetic chemist, and she’s excited to continue her academic journey. RISE was there every step of the way, offering encouragement and resources. “All anyone needs is an opportunity,” she said. God’iss hopes to return to RISE one day - as a mentor.
Meet Our Graduates
Sean
Sean’s most memorable moments were built around friendship and sports, especially during his senior year football season. He faced adversity on and off the field but matured through experience. Now heading to URI to study Civil Engineering, he’s learned to appreciate the opportunities that came his way. “Never pass up an opportunity,” he says - a lesson he’ll carry into college and beyond.
Meet Our Graduates
Malia
Transferring schools as a sophomore was a challenge for Malia, who initially struggled with self-identity. But by leaning into her true self and surrounding herself with positive influences, she grew in confidence and clarity. She’ll attend the University of Rhode Island, still exploring her academic path. Reflecting on her time with RISE, she shared, “They gave me the tools and the mindset to face college with confidence.” Her summary of the experience? “Family and growth.”
Meet Our Graduates
Zishonn
After transferring schools, Zishonn faced uncertainty and self-doubt. But through basketball, he discovered the value of teamwork and resilience. He credits RISE for helping him stay focused and connected, and an internship at Ortho RI deepened his passion for physical therapy. Now heading to Morgan State University, he says, “Basketball taught me the value of resilience, trust, and fighting for something bigger than myself.” His time with RISE was, in his words, “life changing.”
Meet Our Graduates
Dazaiah
Dazayah spent her high school years pushing herself - maintaining honor roll all four years and thriving as a soccer player. Though the pressure was intense, she persevered, earning a spot in the honors program at Rhode Island College for Medical Imaging. “Because of RISE,” she says, “I was able to attend a school that challenged me and prepared me for college. Without that support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” She calls RISE “a blessing.”
Meet Our Graduates
Jesatey
Jesatey found her passion in performing arts. With the support of her teachers and mentors, she grew in both confidence and academic achievement. She plans to pursue a career in singing and acting, and credits RISE for helping her access the education and experiences that shaped her dreams. Her word for the journey? “Grateful.”
Meet Our Graduates
Amari
Amari dominated his track and field events for La Salle Academy with unmatched speed, skill, and determination. His athletic excellence earned him multiple Providence Journal All-State selections, solidifying his reputation as one of Rhode Island’s top high school track athletes.
His dedication to training, perseverance through challenges, and ability to rise to big moments have made him a role model for his peers and an inspiration to younger athletes.
His dedication to training, perseverance through challenges, and ability to rise to big moments have made him a role model for his peers and an inspiration to younger athletes.
Meet Our Graduates
Nelson
Though not one for the spotlight, Nelson made tremendous progress in his writing and communication skills during high school. Now heading to Boston University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, he reflects on the power of academic support and friendship. “Without RISE, I wouldn’t be able to attend my school now,” he shared. “I wouldn’t have made some of my lifelong friends or met the amazing teachers that helped me through these four years.”
Meet Our Graduates
Nasiah
Nasiah’s story began at Moses Brown, where he first stood out both in the classroom and in the pool as a member of the swim team. He was recruited to St. George’s School to play football, where he quickly became a force on the field. But his talents didn’t stop there—Nasiah (affectionately known as Bubba) also played lacrosse, showing his versatility as a multi-sport athlete.
Meet Our Graduates
Qiana
A standout basketball star, Qiana brought leadership, determination, and heart to every game. Her dedication to her sport earned her the Outstanding Athlete Award—a reflection of her tireless work ethic and team-first spirit.
At Bay View, Qiana excelled with distinction in the sciences and humanities. These awards speak to her intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and love of learning.
At Bay View, Qiana excelled with distinction in the sciences and humanities. These awards speak to her intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and love of learning.
Watch last year's Graduation Party video!
Colleges & Universities
RISE students have attended the following colleges:
American International College
Boston University
Brown University
Bryant University
Central Maine Community College
Community College of RI
Cornell University
Dickenson College, Guilford College,
Johnson & Wales University
LaSalle College
The New School
Providence College
Rhode Island College
Suffolk University Law School
American International College
Boston University
Brown University
Bryant University
Central Maine Community College
Community College of RI
Cornell University
Dickenson College, Guilford College,
Johnson & Wales University
LaSalle College
The New School
Providence College
Rhode Island College
Suffolk University Law School
University of North Carolina
University of Rhode Island
Roger Williams University
Salve Regina University
St. John's University
University of Rhode Island
Roger Williams University
Salve Regina University
St. John's University
RISE at a glance
Through increased educational opportunities and support from volunteer mentors, our programs have impacted the lives of hundreds of students since the program was founded in 1997. The key measurement of success for The RISE Scholarship Program is graduation from high school. Since 2012, 100% of our students have graduated high school—well exceeding the state average and dramatically exceeding the norm for urban students in Rhode Island.
The RISE Mentoring Program’s success is credited to the hundreds of dedicated mentors that have provided thousands of volunteer hours over the years. These individuals promote positive outcomes with our youth including improved self-esteem, improved academic achievement, social skills development, and knowledge of career opportunities.
Let's Hear from our Scholars
“Without RISE, I wouldn’t be able to attend my school now,” he shared. “I wouldn’t have made some of my lifelong friends or met the amazing teachers that helped me through these four years.”
-Nelson
-Nelson
“They gave me the tools and the mindset to face college with confidence.”
-Malia
-Malia
"Because of RISE, I was able to attend a school that challenged me and prepared me for college. Without that support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. RISE is a blessing.”
-Dazaiah
-Dazaiah
“All anyone needs
is an
opportunity.”
-God'iss
is an
opportunity.”
-God'iss
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