Brighten Futures With Students Rising Above
First-generation college students face a challenging path to college and career. We guide them with professional advising and steady support so they can move forward with confidence.
A Sellout success!
SRA Gala 2026
This year’s gala brought together over 300 incredible supporters, and together we raised nearly one million dollars for Students Rising Above. Those numbers are meaningful, but what they represent is even more so: young people who will have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that will shape the rest of their lives.
Every conversation, every laugh, every moment of connection at the gala was a reminder of why this work matters. Thanks to all this generosity, students who might otherwise have gone unseen are being seen, supported, and set up to thrive.
Due April 24, 2026
High School class of 2026 Application Open
High school seniors graduating in Spring 2026 can apply now to the SRA SOAR program: a virtual mentorship and support program designed to help first-year college students navigate their journey with confidence. Apply by April 24 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO APPLIED
High School Class of 2027 Application CLOSED
Keep an eye out for our 2028 application so you too can step into a community that believes in their talent and helps them move toward college with confidence. Rising Stars offers caring mentors, professional advising, and financial support that meets each student where they are.
2028 applications likely to launch December 2026.
Our Approach
We support students from college exploration through career launch with a comprehensive set of programs designed to remove barriers and build long-term success. From personalized admissions guidance to on-campus and virtual college support, and from holistic advising to career development and mentorship, our programs ensure students have the resources, community, and confidence they need to thrive—through graduation and into meaningful careers.
Our Impact
Our results show what consistent advising and practical support make possible. These outcomes reflect the determination of our students and the strength of the relationships built across their journey.
Nearly triple the national average for first-generation students.
4/5 SRA students complete their degrees with less than $10,000 in debt.
Our students are securing employment at 2x the rate of their first-generation peers.
In Their Words
Elijah’s love of Performing Arts, work in Community Service, and enjoyment of English were difficult to translate into a career path. His SRA college counselor elevated his exploration of new colleges and majors–options Elijah would have never considered on his own. After earning a USC offer letter with over $88k in grants and scholarships, Elijah is now exploring Business Administration and its intersections with essential parts of his life with broadened horizons.
Jaden, a first-generation student at UC Davis, studied abroad in Edinburgh and Egypt—experiences rare among first-generation students. With guidance from his SRA advisor, he blended academics with personal exploration, broadening his perspective and building career-ready skills in economics. These transformative opportunities, combined with Jaden’s drive, reflect how SRA’s personalized coaching empowers students to discover themselves, pursue unimaginable possibilities, and gain the confidence to turn aspirations into reality
Malia’s journey to graduating Summa Cum Laude with a 3.91 GPA did not come without obstacles. Early on, Malia struggled with anxiety. In these moments, SRA’s consistent support made all the difference. Through compassionate communication and guidance from her SRA college & career advisors, Malia learned to navigate challenges and build confidence to thrive. Now a graduate of Cal Poly SLO’s architecture program, Malia pays it forward through her career as a junior designer, focused on projects that positively impact communities, and as a mentor at SRA workshops.
Invest in Futures Today
Your support sustains the advising, resources, and opportunities that guide first-generation students through the most important steps in their education and careers. Every gift moves a student forward.