Inspiring Tomorrow

Rise Up’s foundation is centered holistically by embracing our youth, teaching the importance of education, servant leadership, community involvement, successful relationships, healthy living and the love of Jesus Christ.

Mission

Motivate the next 100 kids to attain post high school education through mentoring, small groups and after school programs.

Vision

To inspire kids to be relationally successful and prepared for the future.

Value

Teach life skills through prayer, teamwork, leadership, love, influence, character, acceptance and fun.

The Values That Shape us

The Rise Up program is designed to inspire, influence, and impact today’s kids for tomorrow’s future. Rise Up’s foundation is centered holistically by embracing our youth, teaching the importance of education, servant leadership, community involvement, successful relationships, healthy living and the love of Jesus Christ. Rise Up is designed daily through a structured curriculum to help students see they were created for purpose. We help youth choose between collegiate, trades, and military professional paths so they may prosper after graduation. Breaking the cycle of poverty through academic enrichment and extra-curricular activities helps teach youth they have been created for purpose. Organizing opportunities for servant leadership is the driving force behind Rise Up’s commitment to the community.

Elementary (SKIA)

In our SKIA program, we empower students with nourishing meals, academic support, and character development to help break generational cycles and build brighter futures.

Middle School

Next Level prepares students (6th grade and up) for their future through career readiness and “Passion Opportunities” like golf, dance, music, and college visits.

Small Groups

Our weekly small groups offer a consistent, supportive space where students build lasting relationships and grow through topics like character, decision-making, self-esteem, and healthy relationships.

Food Program

Rise Up announces participation in the Child & Adult Care Food Program for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Meals will be provided at no separate charge to eligible children without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Inspire • Influence • Impact

Inspire
Influence
Impact

Your support allows Rise Up to continue teaching life skills through academic enrichment, prayer, teamwork, leadership, love, influence, character, acceptance, and fun on a Biblically based foundation.

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Princess Buckman's Story

I don’t remember the exact date we were introduced to RISE UP, also known as SKIA, but our family’s journey started when my two youngest brothers joined the after-school program. At the time, the oldest of the two was in elementary school. As the oldest sibling, I had always taken responsibility for after-school activities for my younger brothers.

Before SKIA, I signed them up for Boys & Girls Clubs, Educare, and Coalition for Kids. Those programs were fine — they met the basic needs we had at the time. But when I filled out the paperwork for Edward, who was in 2nd or 3rd grade, we immediately felt something different. The people were warm and genuinely cared about the kids and their families.

Yes, SKIA was an after-school program, but it was so much more than homework help. They invested in Edward’s education, his life skills, his spiritual growth, and his joy. Every day he came home with a huge smile, excited to share something new — a life lesson, a song, a sport, a trip, or a story.

I’m very protective of my siblings, but with SKIA, I felt at peace. I trusted them. As my younger brother Cable started elementary school, I didn’t hesitate to enroll him too. Everyone I knew, especially in our African community, had to hear about SKIA and what a gift it was for our family.

In 2015, just as Edward was starting middle school, we lost him unexpectedly. That night, as we called family members to break the devastating news, SKIA was on that list. It felt natural — they weren’t just a program; they were family. Through our unimaginable grief, they stood by us in every way possible. They showed us love and never left our side.

As I started my own family, my son Jaden was enrolled as soon as he was old enough. We had tried other programs before, but none came close to what RISE UP offered. Then my daughters came along, and of course, they joined too.

To us, RISE UP isn’t an after-school program — it’s family. They’ve given me extra help in raising my kids, helping me instill values of love, service, and faith in Christ. I am forever grateful for the love and care they’ve poured into my children’s hearts, minds, and souls.

You all at RISE UP made me truly understand what 1 John 4:21 means. Thank you.