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Middle School

Equipping Tomorrow’s Leaders, Today!

Our Middle School Program is built for this critical season of life, helping students grow in their identity, faith, character, and leadership development, while gaining skills in a supportive, uplifting environment to break the generational cycle.

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Shaping Future Ready Youth

Middle school is a time of transitions and at Rise Up, we walk with students through each one. Our program serves students after school, Monday through Thursday, during the school year, and continues with engaging activities throughout the summer.

We provide transportation from Indian Trail and Liberty Bell middle schools to The Refuge. Our heart is to meet each student where they are and help them rise into who they were created to be by giving them the skills they need for success.

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What a Day at our Middle School Program Looks Like

Transportation & Arrival

Our staff picks up students directly from their schools and transports them safely to The Refuge.

Healthy Dinner & Snack

Every child receives a nutritious meal and snack, helping fuel both their bodies and minds.

Academic Support

Before the fun begins, students get focused time and support to complete their schoolwork.

Daily Curriculum-Led Activities

Each afternoon includes structured enrichment activities designed to build skills.

Small Group Time

Weekly meetings empower students to face daily challenges with confidence, helping them grow, recognize their worth, and embrace their inner strength.

Our Enrichment Focus

We’ve designed our program around eight key activity areas that help students discover their passions and build lifelong character:

Enrichment Experiences

Helping them explore their interests

Outdoor & Indoor Play

Movement, teamwork, and healthy habits

Literacy & Reading

Specialized support to help readers grow

Arts, Crafts & Music

Creativity that inspires confidence

Leadership Development

Teaching students how to lead with humility and courage

Character Development

Daily lessons on integrity, respect, and responsibility

Health & Wellness

Encouraging habits for body and mind

More Than a Place to Be, A Place to Belong!

This program is a safe space to explore, connect, and grow. Middle school students don’t just show up and hang out, they participate in experiences that shape who they’re becoming.

"Rise Up is not just an after-school program. It’s family. My children come home not only with completed homework, but with joy in their hearts, songs on their lips, and a sense of purpose in their steps."

 - Princess Buckman, Parent

Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks to generous donors and partners, Rise Up provides this program at the low cost of $25 a month with no commitment.

Indian Trail and Liberty Bell middle school students are eligible for pickup and program access.

Let’s Rise Up Together

Whether you’re a parent looking for a safe and enriching afterschool program, or a community member looking to get involved, our Middle School Program is the perfect place to start.

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Address:

1500 E. MILLARD ST. | P.O. BOX 4426 JOHNSON CITY, TN 37602

Hours:

Monday - Friday : 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Phone:

(423) 610-1242

© 2025 All Rights Reserved

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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.