About RISE
Recruitment In Science Education is a nonprofit, after-school STEM enrichment and college preparatory program that serves first-generation college-bound high school students that come from low-income, underrepresented communities in Monterey Bay and Salinas areas.
Our Founders
In 1999, the Berkshire Foundation founded Recruitment In Science Education (RISE) at CSU Monterey Bay. The Berkshire Foundation focuses its philanthropic efforts in education in Monterey County. In doing so, they are able to make a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of our youth and community. The Foundation has enhanced the lives of local young people by providing support for educational scholarships, environmental educational and enrichment activities that benefit our community. We honor and thank Mrs. Roberta Bialek Elliott and the late Mr. Hilton Bialek who founded the RISE program.
Our Mission
The mission of the RISE Program is to enhance diversity in the sciences. We support and encourage underrepresented, first generation college-bound high school students from the Salinas and Monterey Bay areas to expand their interest and skills in science while providing them the tools and inspiration to attend college.
We Empower Students to RISE Above It!
Empowering students to rise above it!
Since its founding in the fall of 1995, California State University Monterey Bay has expressed a continued commitment to serving traditionally under-represented individuals in California. The University’s Vision Statement underlines the opportunity to serve “historically under-educated and low-income populations.” A particular challenge is faced in attempting to diversify the University’s Division of Science and Environmental Science. Historically,science and math related disciplines have been populated largely by male,non-minority populations. The RISE Program was created in 1999 to help change this trend.
The RISE program operates under the School of Natural Sciences at California State University of Monterey Bay.
After school STEM activities
RISE high school students participate in hands-on, inquiry based activities that expose them to the diverse world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. RISE activities, labs, and group projects emphasize STEM discipline in higher education, while also focusing on team building, leadership, and community.
Academic support and guidance
RISE students are offered academic support and guidance throughout their participation in the Program. Every semester CSUMB Service Learning volunteers sign up with RISE to serve as math and science tutors, activity assistants, and college role models. RISE students also receive one-on-one guidance from the RISE Program Counselor to ensure they are on the right pathway to their academic and career goals.
Field trips
Every semester RISE students are offered three types of field trips: university visits, community service trips, and STEM related field trips. RISE field trips supplement the after school activities by connecting the STEM content they are learning in the classroom to the real world.
