Rise High – Growing Minds Growing Opportunities

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

and other skills to success in a fun and nurturing environment.

STEM PROGRAM

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 2022: 9th, 10th, & 11th graders
Spring 2023: 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders

Note: Due to the COVID pandemic, the 2020-2022 recruitment cycles for younger students to start every spring were skipped. Rise High will be recruiting 8th graders in Fall 2022 to start in January 2023. We will keep our community informed of our plans for future recruitment of younger grades. Go to Apply Now! for updates.

Are all grades together?

Programming is tailored for each independent grade, but we also have some shared sessions. Each cohort (grade) will have 16-20 participants.

Who can apply?

Student from Schenectady City School District or Mohonasen School District
Resident of Schenectady City
Be curious and have an interest in STEM subjects with appeal for problem-solving.
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.

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 friends.
If not applying online, email application and letters of recommendation to risehigh@clarkson.edu, or mail paper forms to 80 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308.
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! For existing grades, ongoing recruitment will take place based on availability.

Where and when do Rise High sessions take place?

Our current hosting location is The Center for Advanced Technology @ Mohonasen, a few minutes from Schenectady City. Depending on the nature of the sessions we may be at other locations such as Clarkson University Capital Region Campus, as well as special field trips to places of interest.

How do I get to these places?

Transportation is provided, free of charge. Currently, our pick up and drop off routes are limited to 3 key locations in Schenectady City.

Will I have access to food vendors?

Morning snacks and lunch will be provided by Rise High, free of charge.