Mission
Our mission is to build an ecosystem of stakeholders to work collaboratively to create and amplify inclusive spaces for marginalized groups. We seek to increase access and opportunities for people, support capacity building, and to help individuals activate their agency in the process.
Vision
Our vision is to support empowered students, educators, and leaders to use their agency, lived experience, and cultural wealth to make meaningful changes in their schools, communities, and the larger planet. We build the capacity for stakeholders to RRISE UP for environmental, social, and economic justice.
Upcoming RRISEing Educator Events

Teaching for Justice Conference
Dr. Kelley Lê will present on Friday, April 28. The title of her presentation is, "Unveiling Data To Be Seen and Heard: Looking at Data Through an AAPI Lens". Click here to view the conference schedule. Click here to see the list of presenters for the conference. Join us!
Teaching for Justice is an intentionally-designed space for K-12 educators who seek to be in conversation and collaboration with one another. We highlight pedagogy, research, practice, community-based initiatives and programs that center AAPI experiences, which guide us in taking better care of each other. TfJ aims to nurture meaningful opportunities for participants to build capacity in implementing social justice-oriented AAPI Studies instruction.
Guiding Questions:
• How has belonging manifested in AAPI communities in the past and today? How does it impact our well-being?
• How can we cultivate communities in which AAPI belong and thrive?

Palm Springs Convention Center - March 17, 2023
Meet the Authors - Featuring Dr. Acacia Warren
Join us in Palm Springs for the ultimate educator experience! Be inspried, connect with fellow educators, and learn about the latest ideas in teaching and learning and the best educational technology for your classroom!
Dr. Warren will speak on a panel with other authors on March 17th. She will disucss her book on project-based learning and share insights about integrating technology into the classroom. Click here to watch a special edition of Meet the Authors on YouTube with Dr. Warren!

OABSE Midwest Education Conference
Dr. Acacia Warren will present on Saturday, April 22. She will provide K-12 educators with a research-based PBL framework that reimagines literacy through diverse student interests and social justice topics. Click here to view the conference schedule. Click here to see the list of presenters for the conference.
The purpose of OABSE is:
- to promote and facilitate quality education for all students, particularly students of African descent
- to establish a coalition of educators of African descent and others involved in the educational process
- to create various forums for the exchange of ideas and strategies to improve educational opportunities
- to influence public policy concerning the education of people of African descent

Teach Ocean Literacy to Unlock the Potential of the Ocean
STEM Mentoring Program
RRISE UP’s STEM Mentoring Program is designed to foster and partner first generation, BIPOC, low-SES students living in marginalized communities, who are currently in college, to mentor grades 6-12 students who share the same upbringing.
This program will focus on providing academic support as well as resources needed to navigate through the public educational system in preparation for success in college in STEM fields.
$20: Provides a high needs student with one mentoring/tutoring session
$100: Provides a high needs student with a month of mentoring/tutoring services
$1200: Provides a high needs student with a year of mentoring/tutoring services
STEM MENTORING PROGRAM DONATION FORM
RRISE UP News
First Gen RRISEr Scholarships
Support a First Gen student enrolling in college for the first time! The First Gen RRISEr Scholarships are designed to support students whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree. The first round of scholarships are specifically for First Gen High School Seniors enrolling in college for the 2022-2023 school year.
We know that preparing for college and navigating through various educational systems can be daunting for First Gen students. We also know that a kind gesture goes a long way. Scholarships will be awarded to First Gen students who RRISE UP for environmental, social, and economic justice.
Upcoming Young RRISEr Events
Young RRISErs Taking Action
August 21, 2022
Call for Student Project Proposals! Calling all K-16 students who are ready to RRISE UP and take action on environmental, social, or economic injustices in your community. We are funding meaningful school and community projects up to $300! Send us a proposal for what you would do with the money and how it would make a…
Young RRISEr Scholarships!
August 20, 2022
This scholarship is designed to support our young RRISErs. Scholarships are for students whose parent/guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree. We know that preparing for college and navigating through various educational systems can be daunting for First Gen students. We also know that a kind gesture goes a long way. Scholarships…
Youth in Action Mini-Grant
August 21, 2022
We are funding up to $300 for top proposals on how you RRISE UP for environmental, social, or economic justice. Step 1: EngageLook for inspiring people or programs in your community that are already doing work that you care about. Step 2: Community MappingDig deep into your community. What is the problem you have identified?…
Published Books

Project-Based Learning Across the Disciplines
By Acacia M. Warren
Plan, Manage and Assess Through +1 Pedagogy
*Get the book from Amazon

Teaching Climate Change for Grades 6-12
By Kelley Le
Empowering Science Teachers to Take on the Climate Crisis Through NGSS.
*Get the book from Amazon