Our Program
RISE HIGH is a program for Schenectady City youth where participants learn about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and other skills to success, in a fun and nurturing environment. Students are exposed to a wide variety of careers in technology. Through hands-on experiential learning we promote problem-solving and critical thinking, while exercising their creativity and providing the support to help them reach their goals.
OUR MISSION Provide sustained exposure to diverse enrichment learning opportunities in STEM to under-resourced youth in our community via comprehensive approaches that address and overcome barriers to academic, personal, and wellness development.
Benefits of Rise High
Engaging Learning
Sustained Exposure
Mentorship
Cohort Experience
Rise High’s components:
Tell Me More
When are the upcoming sessions?
Fall 2019: 7th & 8th graders
Spring 2020: New 6th grade cohort and 7th & 8th graders
Subsequent grade levels will added every Spring semester, up through 12th grade.
Are all grades together?
Programming is tailored for each independent grade, with some shared sessions. Each cohort (grade) will have 16-20 participants.
Who can apply?
- Student from Schenectady City school
- Have an interest or curiosity in STEM subjects
- Have limited access to financial, social, mentorship, enrichment opportunities, or academic/professional support resources.
What is the cost to participate in the program?
The program is free of charge for the students and their families.
How do I apply?
Apply Online or Download application HERE, or ask the counselor at your school.
- Fill out the student application
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation. At least 1 letter should be from a school teacher (science/math preferred). Both letters can be from teachers. Other adults that can recommend (maximum 1) include community program leaders, or close family friend.
- Return paper forms at your school office, email application and letters of recommendation to Apply@rise-high.org, or mail paper forms to P. O. Box 4213, Clifton Park, NY 12065.
- If selected, attend student/legal guardian orientation to make sure that we are all on board, and proper signatures are collected to start the fun and learning!
Do I have to reapply every year?
Once you are in the program, and if in good standing, you are automatically enrolled for the following semester/year. We want to see you again for years to come! A new 6th grade cohort will be added every year in the Spring semester. For higher grades, ongoing recruitment will take place based on availability.
Where and when do Rise High sessions take place?
The main hosting locations are SUNY Schenectady County Community College and Clarkson University Capital Region Campus. Field trips will also take place to other locations of interest.
Saturdays, academic year: 9:30am-12:30 pm*
Fall 2019*
September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
October 5th, 19th, 26th
November 2nd, 16th, 23rd
December 8th
Spring 2020*
January 25th
February 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th
March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th
April 4th, 18th, 25th
May 2nd
* Subject to change.
How do I get to these places?
Transportation is provided, free of charge. Pick up and drop off routes are available at different convenient Schenectady City locations.
Will I have access to food vendors?
Morning snacks and lunch will be provided by Rise High, free of charge.
Apply Now!
Download the program application and follow the instructions to apply.
Our Partners
Clarkson University Capital Region Campus, Institute for STEM Education.
http://www.clarkson.edu
Address: 80 Nott Terrace Schenectady, NY 12308
SUNY Schenectady County Community College
http://sunysccc.edu
Address: 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305
Rensselaer Institute of Technology, RPI Engineering Ambassadors
Address: 110 Eighth St, Troy, NY 12180