Hidden Costs of College: Why First-Gen Students Stop Out
What a Target Run Taught Me About the Real Cost of College By Eli Kennedy, CEO, Students Rising Above. The hidden costs of college are the expenses beyond tuition, such as laptops, textbooks, transportation, and emergency bills. For first-generation, low-income students without a family safety net, one unexpected cost can force them to leave school. […]
College Access in Sonoma Valley: Eli Kennedy and Eric Gonzalez on KSVY
Published 10/12/26. Interview aired on KSVY 91.3 on Sep. 26, 2026. Eli Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer of Students Rising Above (SRA), and Eric Gonzalez, Vice President of Youth Development and Community Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley (BGCSV), joined KSVY 91.3 to talk about the new college access partnership between their organizations. […]
Students Rising Above and Boys & Girls Club of Sonoma Valley Launch College Access Partnership
Summary Students Rising Above (SRA) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley announced on Sept. 21, 2026 a partnership to deliver a college access program on-site at the Club, starting in the 2026-27 academic year. A dedicated SRA pre-college advisor will serve Club juniors and seniors. Key takeaways Who: Students Rising Above and Boys & […]
#DearCommunity from Versia Gipson
Dear Community, My Artwork, My Experience. My Artwork I drew this art piece because I felt that we are one. I felt that we needed something to show others that we can come in different shades. With all the protests going on, I deemed it necessary to convey a positive message of different skin tones, […]
Summer Mentor Program 2020 Recap
As the world shifted in response to the unforeseen circumstances the pandemic presented, students were forced to adapt their summer plans, some even facing internship and program cancellations, Students Rising Above (SRA) sought to offer additional career development opportunities to supplement students’ summer break. In response to the uncertainties the summer granted, SRA launched the […]
Join SRA’s Virtual Fund their Future Celebration
Since we couldn’t have you join a March 2020 Gala…. Please join Students Rising Above for our Virtual Fund their Future Celebration on Wednesday, September 2nd from 6:30-7:30 PM PDT. Register now! Program Agenda: Introduction to SRA Class of 2020 and Rising College Freshmen Silent/Live Auction & Paddle Raise SRA Alum Remarks, Tyisha Higgins, […]