RISE-DC helps low-income youth in Washington, DC, achieve academic and career success. This is accomplished by providing educational resources such as high-quality tutoring and college and career mentoring – free of charge.
Educate. Engage. Empower.
RISE was formed to address the high drop-out rates of Washington, D.C. youth by providing educational services in math, in the humanities, and in taking the SAT. To do this, RISE strives to: raise the academic skills of the students it serves, increase each school's retention and graduation rates, make students stronger applicants to college and for college scholarships, and raise the academic self-esteem of the students it serves.
Academic success is measured in an increase in test scores, and in students staying in school and ultimately graduating. In these areas, RISE-DC intervention has been successful. In the last academic year, over 300 students raised their grades or test scores and maintained that improvement after working with RISE-DC.
More than 90% of students who received tutoring time or SAT instruction are on track to graduate or have graduated from high school.
The Social Return on Investment for a RISE-DC student is approximately 21:1, or $21 in return for every $1 invested, an unusually high return.
Last year, we worked with over 200 students. Over 92% expressed a high amount of satisfaction with the RISE tutors who helped them.
Supporters +
Partners +
Board
“Working for RISE-DC has been a gratifying experience. Giving the students an opportunity to improve their skills and gain confidence in themselves as learners and problem solvers has been just part of my experience. RISE-DC tutors and mentors also have the opportunity to develop personal connections with our students…”
“The RISE-DC program is probably the most key piece of support we have to supplement our curriculum and instruction. I consistently refer some of my most challenging and behind-grade-level students to RISE-DC. I have seen consistent improvement in the students’ grades, study skills and happiness at school as a result of tutoring.”
—Megan Casimir, past director of special education, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
With experienced tutors, RISE helps students achieve their maximum level of proficiency in their schoolwork. Over 95% of RISE’s students graduate from high school, and many achieve college success and progress to a path to a livable wage.
RISE works with high school students reading at the third grade level or lower to lift their reading ability up to functional literacy. Many of RISE’s WordSTARS eventually apply to and complete college.
RISE provides SAT/ACT prep, overnight visits to colleges, and dedicated mentoring through the college and scholarship application process. RISE staff follows up with college students through their sophomore year.
RISE stays in touch with over 100 alumni each year to assist with career counseling and job placement.
Our Staff
Thus, RISE-DC’s instructors are professional tutors who work at a reduced rate to educate some of Washington’s most struggling students. With an average experience level of twenty years, RISE-DC’s tutors are experts in their fields.
Many of you may remember Delonte’s Story, which we recounted three years ago. Homeless since the ninth grade, Delonte attended Glenville State College in West Virginia, where last year he led Division II football in interceptions.
RISE has always stood for bridging the education gap between the haves and have-nots. In Washington, this means bridging the gap between privileged white students and black and brown students.
Desmond came to our attention back in 2017 when we formed the MATHlete club at Ballou High School. Everyone kept telling me, "Make sure you get Desmond to join." They were right.
