For students

You earned the recognition. We’re here for the next step.

College planning can feel like a hundred decisions at once. The Rainey Day Rising Scholars Program helps you turn that pressure into a practical plan—and connects you with people who want to see you finish what you start.

Three graduates smiling together in caps and gowns.
Achievement is worth celebrating—and building on.

What scholars receive

Support built around real college decisions.

You will know what to do next, why it matters, and who can help when something feels unclear.

01

Recognition and belonging

A personal welcome into a community that notices your effort and expects you to keep growing.

02

A readiness roadmap

Guidance for college research, applications, financial aid, deadlines, and the transition after graduation.

03

Workshops and trusted connections

Practical sessions, family touchpoints, and referrals to people or resources that can help.

04

College-essentials support

Graduating scholars may qualify for a modest essentials grant when funding and final program requirements allow.

Your scholar journey

Four moments to keep moving forward.

Welcome

Receive your invitation

Celebrate the recognition, review the expectations, and complete the required consent steps with your family.

Plan

Build your college roadmap

Identify priorities, possible schools, funding questions, key deadlines, and the people supporting each next step.

Prepare

Complete readiness milestones

Participate in experiences that help you apply, compare options, understand costs, and prepare for college life.

Launch

Graduate with a next-step plan

Confirm your college choice, complete transition tasks, celebrate your progress, and stay connected to RDCF.

If your GPA falls below 3.0

You will not be reduced to a number. The program team’s first step is to reach out privately, learn what changed, and identify support that may help you recover.

Take the next step

Begin with the criteria, then build your plan.

Use the eligibility self-check to understand the core pilot requirements. It takes less than a minute and does not collect personal information.