Frequently asked questions
Clear answers build trust before the program begins.
These answers describe the intended pilot design. Final school partners, grade levels, capacity, benefits, and operating guidelines will be confirmed before enrollment.
If a promise matters to a student, it should be written clearly enough for a family to trust it.
Our communication standardIs the Rainey Day Rising Scholars Program a scholarship?
No. It is a recognition and college-readiness program. Some graduating scholars may receive college-essentials support if funding and final program requirements allow. Participation does not guarantee a scholarship, grant, or college admission.
Who is eligible?
The pilot is designed for students at participating high schools who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, are interested in preparing for college, complete required consent, and fit within current cohort capacity. Final grade levels and partner schools will be announced before enrollment.
What does automatic enrollment mean?
A participating school may identify eligible students for recognition and an invitation. Active program participation is not automatic: it begins after the student and family complete the required consent process and the program confirms capacity.
What if a scholar’s GPA falls below 3.0?
The first step is a private conversation with the student and family to understand what changed and what support may help. Continued participation will follow the final pilot guidelines, but a GPA change will not be handled without communication.
What if a student is not sure about college?
The current program is built for students interested in a two-year or four-year college. Students who are still deciding may use the public resources and talk with the program team. Additional pathways may be developed as funding grows.
Are college-essentials grants guaranteed?
No. Availability, amounts, timing, and eligibility depend on secured funding and final pilot requirements. Any confirmed benefit will be explained before a student is asked to rely on it.
Does participation guarantee an RDCF scholarship?
No. Individual RDCF scholarships have their own eligibility, application, and selection requirements. Scholars must apply separately when a scholarship requires an application.
What will students be expected to do?
Final expectations will be shared before enrollment. The pilot may include completing consent, keeping contact information current, participating in readiness experiences, tracking milestones, and communicating when support is needed.
How are parents and guardians involved?
Families help complete consent, receive key timeline and financial-aid information, participate in selected touchpoints, and support the student in completing next steps while encouraging independence.
How can a school become a partner?
A school representative can email info@raineydayscholars.org to begin a conversation about student reach, eligibility, privacy, consent, timing, responsibilities, and pilot capacity.
When will the program launch?
Pilot details will be announced after school partnerships, funding, operating guidelines, and capacity are confirmed. Students, families, and educators can email the program team to request launch updates.
Is there a cost to participate?
The program is being designed so core recognition and readiness support do not create a participation fee for students or families. Any optional activity cost would be disclosed in advance.
Take the next step
Your question may help us improve the pilot.
If something is still unclear, email the program team. We will use recurring questions to strengthen family, student, and school communications.