Students Rising Above

Students Rising Above seeks to inspire the economic and social mobility of Bay Area youth in under-resourced communities and schools. We do this by empowering youth to access and excel in social, academic, and economic opportunities. We seek to ensure access to equitable opportunities, allowing our students to reach their full potential regardless of their socioeconomic background and become change agents in their community. Through the Rising Stars program, SRA provides one-on-one mentoring and advising, financial support, access to health insurance and medical and dental care, academic guidance, and a comprehensive college prep curriculum that helps students determine which schools to apply to, how to file for financial aid and scholarships, and how to transition into the workforce. 91% of SRA Rising Stars graduate from college. The SRA Hub is a first-of-its-kind online resource designed to share that experience with students and educators nationwide. Offering 24/7 access, the SRA Hub provides students with comprehensive, up-to-date information, personal advisors to facilitate college and career opportunities, and a supportive community of motivated peers. SRA's SOAR Program engages current college students to increase college persistence rates, graduation rates, and the obtainment of career-ladder jobs. Students in the SOAR Program are matched with a virtual SRA advisor and placed in a small cohort. Throughout their participation in SOAR, students participate in one-to-two virtual hangouts per month, which guide them through financial aid, budgeting, resume creation, career exploration, professional etiquette, interviewing, stress management, self-care, and more.