Hearing Directly from Students

At the very heart of the RISE Network, driving all of the work that we do, is our strong commitment to excellent and equitable student experiences. Our strategies are meant to empower students, giving them the tools and confidence they need to chart a path for success. RISE students inspire us every day with their determination to achieve their goals, and their resolve and enthusiasm only make our community stronger. Looking back on the past year, our students reflect on their experiences and the connections made through the RISE Network.

"[My On-Track Coach] helps me with my grades, she builds me up and gets me back on track. She supports me through my hardest periods."

— MICHELLE, GRADE 9, EAST HARTFORD H.S.

"I will be attending UCONN in the Fall, majoring in Chemistry, and following the Pre-med pathway. To help form my postsecondary plan, I took advantage of many activities, including Summer Academy, FAFSA workshops, Why Apply Day, and Senior Signing Day."

— EDRICK, GRADE 12, PLATT H.S. 2023 VALEDICTORIAN

"[At Senior Signing Day] we really finalize our plans; once you say it and share it with your peers you really start to put it into action. I’m so excited for graduation and look forward to starting the next chapter."

— ANISHA, GRADE 12 MIDDLETOWN H.S.

"The advice I would give an incoming ninth grader is to use the resources around you. Every year gets more challenging, but I feel like if I keep using my resources and my On-Track Coach to help me, then I’ll be fine."

— JAYDEN, GRADE 9 EAST HARTFORD H.S.

The jumpstart [summer bridge] program helped me become more familiar with high school so that when I came back in September, I wasn’t as nervous as I was before.

— ALENIZ, GRADE 9 MANCHESTER H.S.

"I will be attending Yale University in the Fall and I am interested in Engineering and Computer Science. I attended Summer College Prep Academy, which was very helpful as a first-generation college student. It was great to get a head start before the school year started."

— PEIQI (MAGGIE), GRADE 12 MALONEY H.S.