September 2026 Newsletter

OUR MISSION is to provide sustained exposure to diverse enrichment learning opportunities in STEM to under-resourced youth in our community via comprehensive approaches that address and overcome barriers to academic, personal, and wellness development.

Get Ready for Rise High!

The start of Rise High is only a few days away and we are SUPER excited to see everyone. This year is going to be full of adventure, learning, and fun. Our community is growing with new students and new staff, but at our heart, we are always a place of laughter, exploration, and friendship.

Attention Seniors!

We'd like you to mark your calendars for a special field trip to

Thacher Park on October 24th.

More details to come!

A quick reminder for our students and families

It's been a minute since we were in the Rise High swing of things so we wanted to take a little time to remind you the flow of a program day.

Students can catch the bus to Rise High. Times and pickup locations are listed below.
Students can also be dropped off at Rise High. For those being driven to Rise High, please read through the information below.
Rise High begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. We ask that everyone arrive by that time. Students assemble in the atrium and catch-up with their friends and mentors then head to class.
Snack is held between 10:15 and 10:40 a.m.
Classes end at 12 p.m.
Lunch is held between 12 and 12:30 p.m.
Buses pickup students and head back to the drop off locations around 12:30 p.m.

If you are grabbing the bus to Rise High, please make note of the pickup and drop off times!

For students who are being driven to Rise High by family members, please keep the following information in mind:

Please drop off students by 9:20 a.m.
Pickup students at 12:30 p.m.

Saturday Location:

Mohonasen Center for Advanced Technology (CAT)

400 Warrior Way, Schenectady

(next to Mohonasen High School)

Our Annual Report is Now Available

Rise High is happy to share our 2025/2026 Annual Report with you. In it, we share information about the organization as a whole, the impact we have, and the generous partners that make us possible.

Learn more here

Ready! Set! Design!

It's almost time for Rise High, which means we are nearly at the starting line for our brand new design challenge. We've given you clues along the way - do you have any guesses yet?

Ready. Set...You'll need to wait until September 19th for the big reveal!

Mark Your Calendars!

The first day of classes at Rise High is right around the corner. Here are your key dates for this term.

Our first project is a design competition that will take everyone's energy and creativity to master. October 3rd will be the main competition day so be sure to attend!

Applications Are

Now Open!

Applications are now being accepted for rising

6th graders.

Applications are due by October 31st. Classes will start in January for all 6th graders.

Apply Today!

Thank You to Our Generous Partners!

We are grateful for each of our community donors, individuals and families who have given to Rise High during this past month. Your commitment to our students is making a difference each week. Thank you!

Individual Donors

Angela Trudell

Thank you to our incredible partners who help make Rise High possible. We are especially grateful for the generous support of our corporate partners and community grants including:

Key Bank Foundation

Price Chopper - Market 32

Reilly Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region

Your continued commitment makes it possible for our students to explore, imagine, and grow —opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures.

Your Donations Have an Impact

Every donation we receive has a direct impact on the students of Rise High. Your financial contributions go toward ensuring that Rise High remains free to the youth of Schenectady - and your purchase of supplies allows us to continue to provide hands-on fun and learning throughout the year.

Please consider donating to Rise High today!

Donate Supplies

VIEW OUR AMAZON WISH LIST

Donate Financially

VIEW OUR GIVING PAGE

September 2026 New﻿sletter