RISE is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to dismantling educational inequity by delivering free, high-impact academic and enrichment programming to historically underserved students. We equip youth with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thriveânot just in the classroom, but in life. We aim to expand access to education by delivering project-based and community-centered learning experiences to under-resourced youth.
About Us
Entrepreneurship Program: The Young Innovators Incubator Program (TYIIP)
RISEâs flagship initiative is a âShark Tankâ-style entrepreneurship program that immerses students in real-world business education, led and designed by experienced high school leaders.
Students learn design thinking, financial literacy, marketing, and pitching fundamentals
Every session produces a concrete deliverable (e.g., a business budget, user persona, or logo) that builds toward a final pitch
Teams receive personalized mentorship from trained high school and college mentors
At the end of the program, student teams pitch their ventures to a panel of judges for a chance to win startup capital
Seed funding for top teams is raised by the RISE leadership team and awarded to support studentsâ entrepreneurial and educational ambitions
24/7 Access and Open Resources
All curriculum materials are uploaded to our website and made freely available to students and families 24/7. Sessions are designed for maximum engagement and retention, blending interactive instruction with hands-on application. Each session jumpstarts students' progress toward creating a complete business pitch.
Our Reach
Currently serving students grades Kâ8 in the Franklin-McKinley School District (San Jose, CA). Programs scaling to additional school districts and states is in development
Led by Youth, Backed by Educators
RISE is powered by passionate high school students working in collaboration with certified educators, school district officials, and community leaders. Our leadership team reflects the communities we serve and brings lived experience, innovation, and dedication to every program.