Students Rising Above (SRA) helps extraordinary, low-income Bay Area high school students who are overcoming tremendous odds of poverty, homelessness, and neglect, to fulfill their dream of a college education. Nearly 100% are the first in their families to attend college; 75% live below the poverty line; 67% are either in the foster care system or are not living at home; 50% have no functioning parent; 40% are currently, or have been homeless; 35% were abandoned; 25% are raising siblings.
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 to the social and academic rigors of college life. 90% of our students graduate from college which is nearly 3 times the national average for low-income, first gen students.
SRA also provides students with summer internships so that they can gain hands-on professional work experience in their field of interest. Students are connected to the SRA community network of individuals and employers who are able to help our students advance their professional goals.
Our students represent the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area and they are breaking the cycle of poverty as the next generation of employees and leaders who are accelerating positive change in our communities.
Specialties
Low income, First Generation college students, Educational Advising and mentoring, Internships, Health Insurance Access, Financial Support, College Prep Curriculum, Financial Aid Assistance, Transitions into the work force, Breaking the cycles of poverty
Students Rising Above Activity on LinkedIn
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Students Rising Above has a new Student Advisor
Diana Romo-Nichols is now Student Advisor
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Students Rising Above Did you know that there is a 93% chance that a student will enroll in post-secondary education if at least one parent holds a B.S. degree? An investment in Students Rising Above not only benefits the students currently in the program, but is a life-altering gift which will impact future generations.
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Students Rising Above Mark your calendars now for the 9th annual Gala scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2012 at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Join us for this memorable evening in celebration of our remarkable students and graduates. The Gala raises essential funds to send our students to colleges across the country. Over the past eight years, proceeds from the Gala enabled us to quadruple the number of students selected into our program. We hope to see you there!
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Students Rising Above Are you interested in volunteering to mentor one of our students? We'd welcome the chance to tell you more about the Mentor Program, and to answer any questions you may have. Contact Kirsten McCarthy at kmccarthy@studentsrisingabove.org for more information.
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Students Rising Above Check this out: Josue Hernandez started his own scholarship foundation- "Power Through Knowledge Scholarship"- for high school students who need the assistance! He raised $27,000 this past year selling tacos at UCSB! Our hats off to you, Josue! Thank you for giving back!
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Students Rising Above SRA Mentor Cameron Kauffman has been elected to the San Francisco Cal CPA Board of Directors. Cameron was featured in the organization's publication, and had some wonderful things to say about his experience as a Mentor--our thanks to Cameron, and all of the amazing volunteers who mentor our students.
