About R.I.S.E

RISE stands for “Raising Income through Scholarship and Education” and has served 200 clients since its inception in January, 2000. The RISE program is designed to give single parents the opportunity to raise their income level and increase their independence. RISE emphasizes education and job training as two main avenues that lead to increased income and job skills.

The RISE program gives motivated mothers and fathers the opportunity to access a full range of support services to assist in overcoming basic barriers to beginning their education and creating a career. With the assistance of the RISE case managers, common barriers to success for formerly homeless and very low-income families are addressed in a flexible and customized manner. Such barriers may include issues of transportation, childcare, living expenses, education, and employment. Families can initiate requests for financial aid to address such barriers. Clients play an active role in determining what kinds of support services are needed and in what format these services are presented.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for the program, eligible students:

• Must be a single parent with custody of at least 1 child under the age of 18.
• Be formerly homeless or very low-income (50% below the area median income for Santa Clara County).
• Must be in permanent or long-term transitional housing.
• Clients must be highly motivated to succeed in the program and find a job in the field.

Programs

Approved programs are generally those that result in a technical certificate or associates degree such as, medical assisting, truck driving, cosmetology, esthetician/cosmetology, medical billing/vocational nurse/ electrician.

Services Offered

Once a client is in the program, they are assigned to a case manager who meets with them at least once a month or more depending on their needs. The RISE case managers work with clients on all issues that affect their success in school. Once a client graduates from their training program they are assisted with finding a job in their field.