Recognition and belonging
A personal welcome into a community that notices your effort and expects you to keep growing.
For students
You earned the recognition. We’re here for the next step.
College planning can feel like a hundred decisions at once. Rising Scholars helps you turn that pressure into a practical plan—and connects you with people who want to see you finish what you start.
Recognized.Prepared.Connected.
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.
A readiness roadmap
Guidance for college research, applications, financial aid, deadlines, and the transition after graduation.
Workshops and trusted connections
Practical sessions, family touchpoints, and referrals to people or resources that can help.
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
Your school status determines the next step.
Students at active partner schools can apply. If your school does not yet participate, you can ask RDCF to invite your counselor into the partnership process.