SRA is all about meeting students where they are, and
adapting their services for each of them. If a talented
applicant approaches them with a low GPA, due to
something like a failed freshman year, SRA will dive
deeper to understand that real-life challenges may have
prohibited their academic success. “We’re not going to place
judgment,” Martín explained. “We’re going to make you
shine by focusing on the stellar aspects of you as a human,
versus yelling at you about your freshman year.” So it’s the
individual, not the academic numbers, that determines your
acceptance into SRA.
75 students per year is amazing, but SRA gets hundreds
of applicants that are also in need. So for everyone else,
especially students in more rural and remote areas, they
created a virtual platform called the SRA Hub, providing
24/7 access to professional advisors, resources, and tools, to
help students pursue a college education and enter careerladder
pathways. The SRA Hub has more than 15,000
registered users nationwide, including students, educators,
and partners.
It takes a village, and SRA is equipped with a dedicated
team of amazing advisors from a variety of cultural and
professional backgrounds, all here to make a real, solid
difference. And it’s not just for the students, but for their
families and future generations. “That’s the coolest piece for
me,” Martín said. “It’s not only changing this person’s life,
but far beyond.”
Mark your calendars for their 16th Annual Gala on
March 21, 2019. They’re actively looking for social and
career mentors of all kinds to join their efforts, as well as
any company wanting to open their doors for internships.
They’re also a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit if you’re able
to donate. Follow up with them at studentsrisingabove.org,
or call them at (415) 333-4222.
Group shot from retreat.
June BBQ