South Mountain Community College is celebrating 10 years of community partnership with Elevate Phoenix and the R.I.S.E. (Ready for an Inspired, Successful Education) summer college bridge program.
Elevate Phoenix is a youth organization that empowers students to overcome obstacles by offering the necessary tools for success through mentorship, programs and accredited classes. The organization works with SMCC to specifically provide a critical bridge between high school graduation and higher education through the R.I.S.E. program.
The partnership between SMCC and Elevate Phoenix began 10 years ago through the connection of Jazmine Hall, who is an Adjunct Faculty member at SMCC and the Development Director at Elevate Phoenix. Jazmine, in collaboration with her colleagues, developed the unique closed-cohort college bridge model which has since evolved into the R.I.S.E. program.
“As we celebrate 10 years together, we recognize that this milestone represents far more than longevity,” said Jazmine. “It represents thousands of hours invested, countless lives impacted, enduring relationships built, and a shared commitment between Elevate Phoenix and South Mountain Community College to remove barriers, create opportunities and empower the next generation of leaders.”
Graduating high school seniors from various Phoenix Union High Schools are invited to participate in this mentorship program that has taken place at the SMCC campus every summer for the past decade.
The college works closely with Elevate Phoenix staff to recruit, onboard and enroll students into college courses at SMCC that will be completed over the course of five weeks.
The SMCC Recruitment and Financial Aid departments also provide support by helping those students complete their FAFSA applications and college applications. College resources such as SMCC’s Career Services, Counseling, Student Life, Academic Advisement and the Construction Trades program are also involved by providing enrichment opportunities and programming.
Through the R.I.S.E. program, students receive their own personal laptop to help with their success in class and beyond. They also have the opportunity to participate in weekly “real life” workshops that feature community supporters as a way to gain real-world experiences.
These tools allow students to leave the program not only with a post-secondary plan for their future, but with a sense of belonging and long-lasting relationships with their community.
As the program continued to grow through the years, Dr. Callan Fay, SMCC’s Student Services Manager, also played a key role by implementing different college departments into the program all while helping to strengthen the student experience.
“Elevate Phoenix and SMCC are passionate about guiding learners toward opportunities that not only advance their skills and knowledge but also ensure economic mobility and long-term career success,” said Dr. Callan. “It's about breaking down barriers and advocating for students, celebrating their stories, and exposing them to opportunities that help them build confidence as they navigate life after high school.”
