Start Your Summer with a Ray of Sunshine 🌞 🌞 🌞 from RTE!

“Rise Together Education allows me to give back to a cause that is close to my heart: supporting low-income students to achieve their dreams... As a low-income student myself when I was in college, I know how much even a little more support can mean when you are juggling school and finances. I had no mentors back then but I know it would have been immensely helpful to have an experienced adult help me navigate a world that my parents did not know." - Nan Kim, RTE Treasurer Welcome Paly Class of 2024 Scholars! This year, RTE is thrilled to welcome 24 new Paly grads into our program! These students will be attending a wide range of schools and studying a diverse set of subjects including Animal Science, Architecture, Art, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Political Science. Scholars will receive ongoing mentorship, and those enrolled in four year colleges will receive $3,500/year and those in community college will receive $750/year . On May 14th, the new grads attended a New Scholar Orientation at Paly to onboard into the program. Students started off by meeting their RTE mentors, followed by a presentation by alumni Brianna and Allison (Paly Class of 2020). After the presentation, the new scholars mingled with each other and RTE board members and mentors. On May 23rd, students were formally presented with their award at the Paly Senior Awards Night by board member and RTE alumnus Dami Bolarinwa. Meet New College Graduate: Nicole Brand Robles (Madrid University, Class of 2024) Nicole Brand Robles, Paly Class of 2020 I am originally from Colombia and moved to Palo Alto in 3rd grade. I joined Butler University in Indiana after graduation from high school. My initial interest was in Criminology and Sociology. I then transferred to Saint Louis University in Missouri where I took advantage of a study abroad program with Madrid University in Spain. I initially looked to transfer back to Missouri but loved it here in Madrid so I decided to join Madrid University full-time. After some class work, my interest changed. I just graduated with a degree in Communications and Marketing. I recently completed an internship in Madrid, where I was a campaign manager for a Canadian technology company. I am currently looking for a full-time job in Madrid or in the US. My experience and interests span working with diverse cultures in developing creative campaigns and using smart tech social media for startups (fashion and beauty as target categories) and building content for teachers. Kimberly Schwan, my RTE mentor, helped me by reviewing my college essays. Kimberly also helped me make decisions about my college choices. She went above and beyond by helping me complete my financial aid package with Butler University. We have stayed in touch since then with Kimberly checking in on me throughout my time in college. My favorite class to date is Intercultural Communications. I find it interesting because you get to understand different cultures not as a “you” problem but through the experiences of different human beings. For example, time management in some cultures is event based while in some cultures it is more forward-thinking driven. I have three lessons I wanted to share with other RTE Scholars: Use all of the resources that RTE sends via email. They are a carefully curated set of resources. RTE did a great job sharing these resource lists broadly with students. Believe in yourself! The transition to college can be overwhelming initially but you will find your crowd eventually. Living in Palo Alto is like living in a bubble. There is so much more to the world… so many amazing people who will help you find your confidence. Marco's Adventure in Japan Marco Salgado in Japan Marco Salgado, RTE scholar and third year student at UC Merced is studying Management and Business Economics with a minor in Sociology. Marco is participating in a study abroad program at Hitotsubashi University in Japan . Marco recently shared a video of his experience abroad and the ups and downs he experienced as a student in a foreign country. Click here to hear more about his experiences in Japan and how Marco overcame initial challenges to find connection and achieve personal growth. Great News from PACF! 2024 Community Celebration, photo courtesy of PACF For the fourth year in a row, the Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) has awarded RTE with a $10,000 grant for our exceptional work. PACF selects grantees that support families, uplift the vulnerable, enhance community life, and encourage educational equity in our community. For over 40 years, PACF’s Annual Grant making process has channeled the giving of local donors to focus on supporting the organizations that provide the network of support for our neighbors in Palo Alto, East Palo, and Menlo Park. RTE and other recipient organizations were recognized at a celebration event on June 12th at Bloomhouse in East Palo Alto. We are deeply grateful for the continued support! Join Us in Strengthening our Community! Our College Scholarship Spring Fundraiser for the Class of 2024 has currently raised about $19,000 which is only at 37% of our goal. Please consider giving our scholars the gift of education or volunteer with us! As an all-volunteer organization, RTE is always looking for community members looking to give back and make an impact. In particular, we are currently seeking out volunteers with skills and interest in mentorship, fundraising, public relations, leading alumni groups, and IT (web design and Salesforce experience are a plus)! If you want to learn more, please email [email protected] . Thank you for your support! Give THE GIFT OF EDUCATION Let's be buddies ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

- Nan Kim, RTE Treasurer

Welcome Paly Class of 2024 Scholars!

This year, RTE is thrilled to welcome 24 new Paly grads into our program! These students will be attending a wide range of schools and studying a diverse set of subjects including Animal Science, Architecture, Art, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and Political Science. Scholars will receive ongoing mentorship, and those enrolled in four year colleges will receive $3,500/year and those in community college will receive $750/year. On May 14th, the new grads attended a New Scholar Orientation at Paly to onboard into the program. Students started off by meeting their RTE mentors, followed by a presentation by alumni Brianna and Allison (Paly Class of 2020). After the presentation, the new scholars mingled with each other and RTE board members and mentors. On May 23rd, students were formally presented with their award at the Paly Senior Awards Night by board member and RTE alumnus Dami Bolarinwa.

Meet New College Graduate: Nicole Brand Robles (Madrid University, Class of 2024)

Nicole Brand Robles, Paly Class of 2020

I am originally from Colombia and moved to Palo Alto in 3rd grade. I joined Butler University in Indiana after graduation from high school. My initial interest was in Criminology and Sociology. I then transferred to Saint Louis University in Missouri where I took advantage of a study abroad program with Madrid University in Spain. I initially looked to transfer back to Missouri but loved it here in Madrid so I decided to join Madrid University full-time.

After some class work, my interest changed. I just graduated with a degree in Communications and Marketing. I recently completed an internship in Madrid, where I was a campaign manager for a Canadian technology company. I am currently looking for a full-time job in Madrid or in the US. My experience and interests span working with diverse cultures in developing creative campaigns and using smart tech social media for startups (fashion and beauty as target categories) and building content for teachers.

Kimberly Schwan, my RTE mentor, helped me by reviewing my college essays. Kimberly also helped me make decisions about my college choices. She went above and beyond by helping me complete my financial aid package with Butler University. We have stayed in touch since then with Kimberly checking in on me throughout my time in college.

My favorite class to date is Intercultural Communications. I find it interesting because you get to understand different cultures not as a “you” problem but through the experiences of different human beings. For example, time management in some cultures is event based while in some cultures it is more forward-thinking driven.

I have three lessons I wanted to share with other RTE Scholars:

Use all of the resources that RTE sends via email. They are a carefully curated set of resources. RTE did a great job sharing these resource lists broadly with students.
Believe in yourself! The transition to college can be overwhelming initially but you will find your crowd eventually.
Living in Palo Alto is like living in a bubble. There is so much more to the world… so many amazing people who will help you find your confidence.

Marco's Adventure in Japan

Marco Salgado in Japan

Marco Salgado, RTE scholar and third year student at UC Merced is studying Management and Business Economics with a minor in Sociology. Marco is participating in a study abroad program at Hitotsubashi University in Japan. Marco recently shared a video of his experience abroad and the ups and downs he experienced as a student in a foreign country. Click here to hear more about his experiences in Japan and how Marco overcame initial challenges to find connection and achieve personal growth.

Great News from PACF!

2024 Community Celebration, photo courtesy of PACF

For the fourth year in a row, the Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) has awarded RTE with a $10,000 grant for our exceptional work. PACF selects grantees that support families, uplift the vulnerable, enhance community life, and encourage educational equity in our community. For over 40 years, PACF’s Annual Grant making process has channeled the giving of local donors to focus on supporting the organizations that provide the network of support for our neighbors in Palo Alto, East Palo, and Menlo Park. RTE and other recipient organizations were recognized at a celebration event on June 12th at Bloomhouse in East Palo Alto. We are deeply grateful for the continued support!

Join Us in Strengthening our Community!

Our College Scholarship Spring Fundraiser for the Class of 2024 has currently raised about $19,000 which is only at 37% of our goal. Please consider giving our scholars the gift of education or volunteer with us! As an all-volunteer organization, RTE is always looking for community members looking to give back and make an impact. In particular, we are currently seeking out volunteers with skills and interest in mentorship, fundraising, public relations, leading alumni groups, and IT (web design and Salesforce experience are a plus)! If you want to learn more, please email [email protected]. Thank you for your support!

Give THE GIFT OF EDUCATION

Let's be buddies