Students Rising Above

Meet Evelyn Tran, a San Jose State senior and SRA SOAR Peer Mentor, who embodies the heart of Students Rising Above (SRA). Once supported by her own mentor through SRA, Evelyn now mentors first-generation students, providing career advice, mock interviews, and inclusive spaces where her mentees feel uplifted and empowered. Through her dedication, Evelyn exemplifies the ripple effect of mentorship—how support from programs like SRA transforms lives and inspires others to give back. When you support SRA, you’re not just helping one student—you’re fueling a cycle of empowerment that extends across generations. Your gift makes stories like Evelyn’s possible and ensures more students have the guidance and resources they need to thrive. Be part of this transformation today. https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi #SRA #Equity #College Access #FirstGen #PeerMentorship

This Fall, we proudly welcomed 273 scholars into the SOAR program, including many returning students eager to build on their success. Through SOAR, these driven change-makers receive virtual one-on-one support from advisors, access to mental health services, interview prep, career mentorship, and more. They’re working hard to achieve their academic and career dreams—and you can be part of that journey. Help us expand access to vital resources for first-generation college students. Your support makes all the difference! Donate today: https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi #SRA #Equity #FirstGen #BIPOC #CollegeAccess

At Students Rising Above, we believe in the power of opportunity to transform lives. Through our partnership with Health Career Connection, we’re creating paths for first-generation, low-income students to step confidently into healthcare careers that give back to their communities. Federico, a senior at UCLA, found his internship through SRA’s partnership with HCC this past year. In high school, he participated in the Stanford Office of Diversity in Medical Education's Youth Medical Science Program (SMYSP). Later, as an intern through HCC, Federico returned to that same program to support high school students just like him. This full-circle experience was incredibly powerful, making a deep impact not only on Federico but also on the youth he mentored during his internship. "Working with first-generation college students through SRA has highlighted the transformative power of mentorship and the value of diverse perspectives." Jana Hiraga, MPH, Vice President - Northern and Central California, HCC Your support fuels these journeys—every donation opens doors for first generation students to rise, thrive, and lead. Together, let’s keep building a world where all students have the chance to pursue their dreams. Your donation today will provide mentorship, financial aid guidance, and essential life skills to help these students thrive. 🌟 💛 Be part of their success story—donate now and make a lasting impact! https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi #SRA #FirstGen #Equity #Internship #CollegeAccess #Career

#TBT to this summer: Rising freshmen college students took a huge step toward independence by shopping for their first dorms and apartments with their SRA advisors, Rachel and Rodrigo. 🛒 With everything from bedding to kitchen essentials, Target helped them find what they needed to create a space they can truly call their own. 🏡 Starting college comes with many challenges, but with support from the SRA community, these students are ready to take on whatever comes next. You can provide ongoing support so that SRA can continue offering wrap around services like this, by donating today! https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi #SRA #Equity #FirstGen #BIPOC #CollegeAccess #ClassOf2024 #DormLife

We are pleased to share SRA's SOAR Program's end of year data results, which showcase the progress and growth of our students. Their insightful comments also reflect a positive learning experience, and we are excited to continue supporting their success in the upcoming year! About the SOAR Program: SOAR is SRA's virtual program. The program engages current four-year and community college students to increase college persistence, graduation rates, and the obtainment of career-ladder jobs. #SRA #FirstGen #College #CollegeAccess #CareerDevelopment #PeerMentor

Imagine navigating college without the resources you need to thrive—balancing classes, social life, and young adulthood, all while feeling lost and unsure about how to move forward. Now imagine having a supportive community by your side every step of the way—providing mentorship, mental health services, and academic guidance. This is the reality we’re building through the partnership between Students Rising Above (SRA) and If Given A Chance (IGAC). Together, we’re transforming the lives of first-generation college students, who faced overwhelming economic and academic barriers. Thanks to this partnership, students received the support they to balance work through life skills workshops, manage stress through mental health services, and stay focused on their academic and personal goals. This collaboration has already cut IGAC’s college attrition rate from 40% to just 13%, proving the power of wraparound support. But there’s more work to be done—especially as first generation students continue to face systemic barriers in higher education. Your donation today will provide mentorship, financial aid guidance, and essential life skills to help these students thrive. 🌟 💛 Be part of their success story—donate now and make a lasting impact! https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi #SupportFirstGen #EducationForAll #StudentsRisingAbove #IfGivenAChance

🚲 For many first-gen students, transportation is a major hurdle. Without reliable ways to reach class, internships, or essential resources, staying on track can feel impossible. That’s why Joe Hui’s story is inspiring. Through the Adopt-A-Family Bike Program, Joe and his team have donated 400+ bikes to SRA students, promoting a culture of collaboration in our community and making your dollars go even further. But we need your help to continue this work. By supporting our Connections that Rise and SOAR campaign, you provide essential resources like mental health support, mentorship, financial guidance, and career access—the building blocks for student success. We aim to raise $1 million by December 31, 2024, to ensure every first-gen student has what they need to thrive. Your gift can be the game-changer! 💡 Donate here: https://bit.ly/3zTU5Yi 🎥 Watch the full story: https://cbsn.ws/4dY9HIt

We're fortunate to have Myrtha Ortiz Villar, Ed.M. lead SRA's data initiatives. Thanks for driving our team's growth and learning, and making it possible for us to measure and track impact.

Guide and support the next generation of college graduates as a Volunteer Mentor!

Students Rising Above staff in the wild! Thanks EdTrust-West for a great conference.