Students Rising Above

Students Rising Above Empowers students facing systemic barriers to define and find success via education, career, & life. Learn more at www.studentsrisingabove.org

SRA provides one-on-one mentoring and advising, financial support, access to health insurance and medical and dental care, academic guidance, and a comprehensive college prep curriculum that helps students determine which schools to apply to, how to file for financial aid and scholarships, and how to transition to the social and academic rigors of college life. 90% of our students graduate from

college which is nearly 3 times the national average for low-income, first gen students. SRA also provides students with summer internships so that they can gain hands-on professional work experience in their field of interest. Students are connected to the SRA community network of individuals and employers who are able to help our students advance their professional goals. Our students represent the rich cultural diversity of the Bay Area and they are breaking the cycle of poverty as the next generation of employees and leaders who are accelerating positive change in our communities.

Congratulations, Madison Bee Jackson! 🎉“I will be attending North Carolina A&T State University this fall, where I plan ...
06/19/2026

Congratulations, Madison Bee Jackson! 🎉

“I will be attending North Carolina A&T State University this fall, where I plan to study psychology on the path to becoming a clinical psychologist. I am most looking forward to experiencing a new environment, building community, and continuing to grow both academically and personally. SRA has supported me in so many ways throughout my journey by providing encouragement, guidance, resources, and a community that truly believed in me during such an important time in my life. I am incredibly grateful for all of the support I have received along the way. I also want to thank my mentors, teachers, family, and everyone who continued to pour into me and encourage me throughout this journey to college.”

Every student needs a community that believes in them before they fully believe in themselves. $25 is how you join this one. Donate today - link in bio!

New city, new campus, a future in Communications. Congratulations, Andrea Mata Alejo! 🎉“Hi everyone I am Andrea Mata Ale...
06/19/2026

New city, new campus, a future in Communications. Congratulations, Andrea Mata Alejo! 🎉

“Hi everyone I am Andrea Mata Alejo! I will be attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall to major in Communications! I am looking forward to beginning my path as a pre-comm major in a completely different city four hours away from home and meeting lovely new people in hopes of joining clubs on campus. The life I planned of pursuing higher education would not have been possible without my lovely mother so thank you to her for always motivating and guiding me. Thank you to SRA, especially lovely Brooke, for bringing me clarity after every meeting and helping me feel sure of myself when drafting up and finalizing PIQs. Not only that but helping me gain hope and not lose motivation after not qualifying for [some of the grants and scholarships FAFSA unlocks], I don’t know what I would have done without SRA, my family and I will forever be grateful.”

When the financial aid system left Andrea without answers, SRA didn’t. $25 is all it takes to make sure the next student always has somewhere to turn. Donate today: Link in bio!

Juliet Hernandez came into the college process with a passion for cell research and a dream of attending UC Davis. This ...
06/04/2026

Juliet Hernandez came into the college process with a passion for cell research and a dream of attending UC Davis. This fall, she gets both. Congratulations, Juliet! 🎉

“This fall I will be studying Cell Biology at UC Davis and I am extremely excited to continue my passion for cell research and gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of how cells work. I look forward to taking fun courses, such as the coffee course UC Davis offers as well as being around all the livestock that live on campus. I’m extremely grateful for all the support that SRA has provided me during my college applications, and I am especially grateful for my counselor, Vanessa Pepoon, who was there every step of the way and answered any questions I had. She was someone who helped keep me on track for college applications and made the process a lot less stressful than I thought it would be. I can’t wait to begin this next chapter of my life. Go Aggies! 🐮💛”

The college process is stressful enough without having to navigate it alone. Your donation to our Dreams to Degrees campaign funds the counselors who keep first-gen students on track and make the journey manageable. Give today. LINK IN BIO.

One day De’Zyer Oliver will be the social worker who shows up for someone else. First stop: Cal State Northridge. Congra...
06/03/2026

One day De’Zyer Oliver will be the social worker who shows up for someone else. First stop: Cal State Northridge. Congratulations, De’Zyer, we could not be prouder.

“My name is De’Zyer, and I’m super excited to announce that I will be attending California State University Northridge in the fall! Where I will be studying Social Work. What I’m looking forward to the most is just being in a new environment, meeting new people, learning new things, and just living the college life! SRA has supported me in various ways! especially during the time I was struggling to decide which college was the right fit for me. I had many moments when I felt unsure and overwhelmed, but having that guidance made a huge difference. My college admissions counselor, Vanessa, was always there for me. She answered every text message and every call whenever I had questions or needed reassurance. No matter how big or small my concerns were, she made sure I felt heard and supported. Because of her help, I was able to confidently make my final decision about where I want to attend. She was a major part of this entire process, and I truly appreciate everything she’s done for me. I also want to say thank you to my Aunts and Uncles for supporting me throughout this process as well because it definitely wasn’t easy! I’ve had many days where I wanted to give up and when I felt this was all pointless and they were always there for me and reminded me that this is only the beginning, so don’t quit now! Thank you again SRA for being a part of my journey!”

Vanessa answered every text and every call. That is not luck. That is what your donation to our Dreams to Degrees campaign makes possible. Support more students like De’Zyer. LINK IN BIO.

We are proud to congratulate Verania Cornejo on her decision to attend UC Davis this fall, where she will study Molecula...
06/02/2026

We are proud to congratulate Verania Cornejo on her decision to attend UC Davis this fall, where she will study Molecular and Medical Microbiology.
Verania’s story speaks to something we hear often from first-generation students. Their schools want to help, but counselors are stretched too thin to give every student the attention they need. Everything feels rushed. Deadlines get missed. Students fall through the cracks.

In Verania’s own words:
“I will be attending University of California, Davis. I plan to study Molecular and Medical Microbiology. I’m most looking forward to living on campus, meeting new people, and building meaningful connections. I’m also excited to experience a new level of independence, explore different opportunities on campus, and grow both academically and personally through my major. SRA has supported me in ways my school couldn’t. At school, it was often hard to build connections because everything always felt rushed. SRA became my own support system of people I could actually rely on. They helped me stay ahead of deadlines, complete everything I needed for college early, and made the whole process so much less stressful. I was able to build a genuine connection with my counselor, who I could always check in with whenever I needed. Honestly, SRA was my main support throughout my college journey, and I’m really grateful because I don’t think I could have done it without them. I’d also like to thank my friends and family for always supporting me, encouraging me, and reminding me of my potential. They’ve always been there to lift me up and push me forward.”

Your donation to our Dreams to Degrees campaign helps us maintain the low advisor-to-student ratios that make this level of support possible. When a student needs to check in, we want to make sure someone is always there to answer. Support more students like Verania. Link in bio.

Congratulations, Briani McCoy! 🎉This fall, Briani is heading to UC Riverside to study Sociology with a minor in English ...
06/01/2026

Congratulations, Briani McCoy! 🎉

This fall, Briani is heading to UC Riverside to study Sociology with a minor in English Literature. We are so proud of her and everything she pushed through to get here.

In her own words:

“Hello SRA fam, my name is Briani McCoy and I will be attending UC Riverside in the fall!! At Riverside I am excited to be studying sociology, with a minor in English literature! I’m looking forward to exploring my independence, and foster valuable relationships.

Throughout my journey in SRA during my senior year, I was offered a lot of help and learning opportunities. This provided me with comfort, security, and motivation to work towards my goals. It also helped with accomplishing the many hardships associated with senior year. I want to thank my twin sister who has been my strength, and happiness throughout this time. And I’d also like to thank Vanessa Pepoon for her patience and kindness.

Good luck everyone!”

SRA’s pre-college advising program costs an estimated $1,600 per student. For Briani, that investment meant comfort, security, and someone in her corner through one of the hardest years of her life.

Uplifting more students like Briani by donating to our campaign today! Link in bio.

Congratulations, Briani McCoy! 🎉This fall, Briani is heading to UC Riverside to study Sociology with a minor in English ...
05/29/2026

Congratulations, Briani McCoy! 🎉

This fall, Briani is heading to UC Riverside to study Sociology with a minor in English Literature. We are so proud of her and everything she pushed through to get here.

In her own words:

“Hello SRA fam, my name is Briani McCoy and I will be attending UC Riverside in the fall!! At Riverside I am excited to be studying sociology, with a minor in English literature! I’m looking forward to exploring my independence, and foster valuable relationships. Throughout my journey in SRA during my senior year, I was offered a lot of help and learning opportunities. This provided me with comfort, security, and motivation to work towards my goals. It also helped with accomplishing the many hardships associated with senior year. I want to thank my twin sister who has been my strength, and happiness throughout this time. And I’d also like to thank Vanessa Pepoon for her patience and kindness. Good luck everyone!”

Affluent families paying up to $20,000 for private college counseling. Briani received that same level of support, at no cost to her family. That is what your donation to our Dreams to Degrees campaign makes possible. Link in bio to give today.

Help us congratulate Jimena Ortiz Ortega, who is heading to the University of San Francisco this fall to major in Politi...
05/27/2026

Help us congratulate Jimena Ortiz Ortega, who is heading to the University of San Francisco this fall to major in Politics!

Here is what Jimena had to say:

"I'm excited for new experiences, new friends, and figuring out who I'm becoming. SRA has been a big help through this whole process, answering every random question I threw at them and keeping me on track when things got confusing. As a first-gen Latina, I want to thank my parents for every sacrifice and all the love that brought me here, my sister for being my constant support, and my whole family for lifting me up with so much pride. Thank you to my teachers for guiding me and to SRA for always being there when I needed support."

The college process is complicated, and no parent should be expected to have all the answers. That is where SRA comes in. Your gift to our Dreams to Degrees campaign means first-gen families always have somewhere to turn.

Support more students like Jimena. Link in bio to donate!

Congratulations, Camila Lucas! 🎉This fall, Camila is heading to UC Berkeley on a full ride to major in English, with her...
05/26/2026

Congratulations, Camila Lucas! 🎉

This fall, Camila is heading to UC Berkeley on a full ride to major in English, with her sights set on law school. We are so proud of her and everything she has accomplished to get here.

In her own words:

“I will be attending UC Berkeley with a full ride. I will major in English so later on I can go to law school. I am looking forward to meeting my roommate and making friends! SRA has supported me a LOT by helping me edit my PIQs and basically throughout the whole application process. They really helped me because at first I had no idea what I was doing. I would like to thank my family for always believing in me and supporting me.”

Private college essay coaches charge $150-$300 per hour. Camila had no idea where to start. SRA was there every step of the way, at no cost to her family.

That is what your donation makes possible. Link in bio to support our Dreams to Degrees campaign.

Congratulations, Susie Gonzalez! 🎉This fall, Susie is heading to UC Davis to major in Economics. We are so proud of her ...
05/21/2026

Congratulations, Susie Gonzalez! 🎉

This fall, Susie is heading to UC Davis to major in Economics. We are so proud of her and the hard work she put in to get here.

In her own words:

“I’m really looking forward to creating new connections while pursuing higher education in an environment that feels peaceful, welcoming, and full of opportunity. I’m excited to finally start a new chapter and grow into the person I want to become. SRA helped me stay focused and organized, especially during moments when the college process felt overwhelming. I would like to thank Ms. Nathalia and Mr. Marco for listening to my rants and reviewing my PIQs anytime I asked. I also want to thank Brooke Millan for helping draft my PIQs and answering any questions I had. Lastly, I want to thank K-G for always writing my letters of recommendation and providing a safe environment for all of his students.”

When the process felt overwhelming, Susie had someone to call. Your support helps keep our advisor-to-student ratios low, so every student gets that same attention.

Link in bio to donate to our Dreams to Degrees campaign!

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