Dreams to Destiny - a resilience blueprint.

RISE’s solution focuses on leveraging technology and inclusive educational practices to address these gaps. By developing accessible online courses and curricula that incorporate the essential skills and techniques of social-emotional learning, problem-solving, and technology literacy, RISE aims to provide equitable learning opportunities to traditionally underserved communities. This approach not only targets local disparities but also has the potential to scale globally, addressing the widespread issue of educational inequity.  Whether these inadequacies of access are intentional or coincidental within the framework of our system is topic for another discussion, but the effect is the same.  Millions of students are denied these essential skills necessary for success.  

The specific problem being addressed is the significant equity gap in educational access and quality, especially for children in poverty-stricken or displaced communities, and learners with disabilities or neurodivergence. Globally, around 250 million children are out of school, and many more lack access to quality education that meets their specific needs. These gaps are exacerbated in communities affected by economic disparities, conflict, or systemic biases.

Factors contributing to this problem include insufficient educational infrastructure, lack of inclusive and adaptive learning materials, and limited teacher training to support diverse learning needs. Additionally, the rapid evolution of necessary skills for the future, such as digital literacy and social-emotional competencies, is not adequately addressed in many educational systems.

In the context of the United States, racial disparities further widen the education gap. Pre-pandemic estimates indicated that it could take 60 to 160 years to close the learning gaps between Black, Latin, and white students. The pandemic has likely increased this timeframe, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

RISE's approach to educational is truly innovative creating a comprehensive learning environment that goes beyond traditional educational models:

1. AI-Powered Personal Learning Confidant: RISE's online program incorporates  AI that functions not just as a teaching tool but as a personal confidant. AI is designed to interact with users on a personal level, adapting to their emotional and educational needs, guiding them through intricacies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). This system helps users develop critical SEL pillars such as self-awareness, relationship skills, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and self-management.

2. Differentiation from Existing Solutions:

• Personalized AI Interaction: Unlike traditional educational tools that offer static content, RISE’s AI adapts in real time to the emotional and educational responses of the user, creating a dynamic and personalized learning journey. This AI serves as both a tutor and a confidant, uniquely capable of supporting students' emotional and educational growth.

• Intended Benefits:
  

1. Deepened Learning Experience: The AI confidant personalizes learning, making it more relevant and effective for each student. This individualized approach ensures that every student understands and can apply SEL concepts in their personal and academic lives.

2. Empowerment Through Personalization: By providing personalized guidance through AI and a supportive physical environment, RISE empowers students to take control of their learning and development. This approach not only improves academic outcomes but also enhances students’ ability to manage their emotions and relationships effectively.

By leveraging AI and adaptive learning in teaching SEL concepts, RISE’s solution addresses the critical need for equitable and effective education. This approach not only has the potential to transform the learning experiences of millions of students locally and globally but also to significantly contribute to closing the educational equity gap.

Expanding on RISE's solution, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and adaptive learning technologies into the teaching of Social-Emotional Learning through our already existing online course (SEL) concepts can significantly enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of essential education by providing critical building blocks. Again, these skills are not only necessary but essential for success in school and life.

1. Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze individual learner's strengths, weaknesses, and preferences to tailor the educational content accordingly, creating personalized learning paths. 

2. Interactive and Engaging Content: By incorporating AI-driven simulations, games, and interactive scenarios, RISE can make SEL concepts more relatable and engaging for students. 

3. Scalability and Accessibility: AI and adaptive learning systems can be accessed by students from various geographical locations and backgrounds, making it possible to reach underserved communities globally. This technology-driven approach can transcend traditional barriers to education, such as geographic isolation, socio-economic status, or physical disabilities.

4. Continuous Assessment and Feedback: AI-enabled platforms can provide real-time assessments and feedback, allowing educators and students to monitor progress and adjust learning strategies as needed. 

5. Addressing Systemic Inequities: The use of AI and adaptive learning technologies in education can help to mitigate systemic inequities by providing high-quality, personalized learning experiences to all students, regardless of their background. By focusing on the development of critical life skills like SEL, RISE can contribute to leveling the educational playing field.

RISE’s solution serves the most vulnerable and underserved populations by providing accessible, personalized, and comprehensive SEL education, thus addressing historical disparities and fostering a more equitable educational landscape.

RISE’s solution is designed to serve students in underserved and economically disadvantaged communities. These communities are characterized by limited access to quality educational resources, including SEL programs. The target population includes students who are affected by poverty, displacement, or belong to marginalized groups that historically have had less access to comprehensive educational programs, especially in the realms of emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and technological literacy.

These students often attend schools with fewer resources, including insufficient access to qualified teachers, educational materials, and extracurricular programs that foster SEL development. The lack of infrastructure and support for inclusive and adaptive learning further alienates students with disabilities or those who are neurodivergent, denying them the opportunity to develop alongside their peers.

By offering online, adaptable SEL programs, RISE ensures that students in remote or impoverished areas can access high-quality educational content. This approach democratizes learning opportunities, making essential SEL skills available to all students, regardless of their location or economic background. My experience shows student's realize the practicality and real life relevancy of these lessons.

By further enhancing our SEL with AI-driven adaptive learning systems can tailor content to meet the individual needs of each student, accommodating different learning styles, speeds, and interests. This personalized approach helps to engage students more effectively and promotes deeper understanding and application of SEL concepts; thus, making the skills and techniques learned more relevant and more engaging. Focusing on communities that are traditionally underserved, RISE’s solution directly targets the disparity in access to education. It provides equitable opportunities for all students to develop the SEL skills necessary for personal and professional success.

By equipping students with SEL competencies, the solution not only enhances their academic performance but also prepares them for successful futures, breaking the cycle of poverty and opening up new pathways for personal and community advancement.

Our leadership and team embody the very essence of the R.I.S.E. philosophy: Resilience, Inspire, Self-Empower. We don’t just teach these principles; we live them. My personal journeys of resilience, from the hardships in Albuquerque’s South Valley to the professional challenges faced overseas, underscore our commitment to fostering resilience and success in others.

Our team, reflective of this diversity and shared experience, is uniquely positioned to deliver the R.I.S.E. solution. We are not outsiders attempting to understand the plight of these communities; we are part of them. We’ve lived the disparities, faced the obstacles, and, crucially, we’ve overcome them. Our approach is therefore deeply empathetic and informed by real-life experiences, ensuring that our solutions are not only practical but also resonate with the people we aim to serve.

Our proximity to the communities we serve isn’t geographical; it’s experiential. Our collective experiences, from personal trials to professional engagements, have equipped us with an intimate understanding of the challenges and needs of these communities. This alignment of personal history with professional expertise makes us uniquely qualified to design and deliver a solution that is not only effective but also transformative for the individuals and communities we aim to uplift.

I was born and raised in Albuquerque’s South Valley, an area marked by socioeconomic challenges, I have firsthand experience with the educational disparities that R.I.S.E. aims to address. My journey from these beginnings to teaching in diverse settings, both in the U.S. and internationally, has imbued me with a deep understanding of the inequities in educational access and quality. This personal history is not just a backdrop; it's the driving force behind the development of R.I.S.E., a program born out of a recognition of the systemic injustices within the educational system.

The conception of R.I.S.E. was a direct response to the stark contrast in resources and opportunities I observed between affluent areas in Colorado and the underprivileged sectors in New Mexico. My experiences have not only equipped me with the necessary skills to navigate and address these challenges but also fostered a profound empathy and commitment to empowering those from similar backgrounds.

RISE has successfully built and launched an online educational platform that is both accessible and impactful. This platform incorporates the core principles of RISE into its curriculum, ensuring that the content is not only educational but also transformative for the students. The platform is currently utilized by thousands of students nationwide and abroad, indicating its broad appeal and effectiveness. This wide usage demonstrates the platform's ability to resonate with and meet the needs of a diverse student population, transcending geographic and cultural barriers.

The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) has recognized RISE as a valuable educational resource, placing it on it's website for access to over 300,000 students. This endorsement is a testament to the quality and relevance of the RISE program and signifies a high level of trust and confidence in its potential to positively impact the educational landscape.

The actual use of the RISE platform by a significant number of students and its endorsement by a state education department provide concrete evidence of its impact and effectiveness. Feedback from users and educational authorities has likely contributed to the continuous improvement and refinement of the platform, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of its learners.

These accomplishments highlight the transition of RISE from conceptualization to a growth phase where its potential to make a significant educational impact is being realized. The platform’s development, its adoption by a considerable user base, and the official recognition it has received are clear indicators of its success and potential for further expansion and impact in the educational sector.

Applying to Solve aligns with RISE’s mission to bridge educational equity gaps through innovative and inclusive solutions. Solve’s resources, network, and expertise in tackling global challenges can help RISE overcome the financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers it faces, enabling us to expand our impact and transform the educational experiences of underserved learners globally.

Despite the significant progress and reach of RISE, we encounter barriers that impede our full potential to impact educational equity. Solve’s support would be instrumental in overcoming these challenges. To keep pace with the rapidly evolving educational technology landscape, RISE needs continuous technical advancements in AI and adaptive learning algorithms. Solve’s network of tech innovators and partners could provide the technical expertise and resources necessary to develop more personalized and effective learning experiences, ensuring that our solutions remain at the forefront of educational innovation.

As RISE expands, securing sustainable funding to scale our online platform and curricula is a critical challenge. We hope Solve can assist in connecting us with funding opportunities and investors who are committed to advancing educational technologies and equity. This support would enable us to enhance our platform’s capabilities, expand our reach to more underserved communities, and ensure long-term sustainability.

To make our programs truly inclusive and globally relevant, we must continuously adapt our content to reflect diverse cultural contexts. Solve’s global community and expertise in cultural competence can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping RISE to tailor its programs to meet the nuanced needs of diverse populations. Entering new markets and reaching a broader audience, especially in international contexts, requires strategic market analysis and partnerships. Through Solve, RISE can gain access to a broader network of educational institutions, NGOs, and community organizations, helping us to understand market demands better, form strategic partnerships, and scale our impact more effectively.

RISE's "Dreams to Destiny, a resilience blueprint" solution is innovative in its approach, integrating personal experiences with cutting-edge technology and educational research to create a program that is both impactful and scalable. This solution not only addresses immediate educational needs but also has the potential to transform the broader educational landscape by emphasizing the importance of resilience and SEL in achieving lasting success.

By providing a unique blend of SEL, resilience training, and adaptive learning, RISE differentiates itself in the educational market, offering a distinct and valuable proposition that addresses the unmet needs of students and educators. RISE’s use of AI and adaptive technologies sets a precedent for how tech can be effectively harnessed to enhance learning outcomes, driving innovation and investment in educational technology solutions that are inclusive and adaptable.

RISE's comprehensive approach to integrating SEL and resilience can catalyze change in the educational sector by demonstrating the value of holistic education. It can inspire other educational initiatives to adopt similar models, prioritizing emotional and social development alongside academic achievement. Success and recognition of RISE’s programs can influence educational policy and funding priorities, leading to increased support for SEL and resilience education, particularly in underserved communities.

My personal experiences, from the challenges in Albuquerque’s South Valley to international teaching, infuse RISE with a deep understanding of the diverse needs in education. This authenticity enhances the development of resilience-focused programs, making them genuinely reflective of the struggles and aspirations of the communities served. The program’s focus on integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and resilience into the educational framework is innovative. It not only addresses academic needs but also nurtures essential life skills, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

RISE’s model of actively involving educators and communities in the development and implementation of its programs ensures that the solutions are grounded in real-world needs and experiences. This collaborative approach enhances the relevance and impact of the educational content. Starting with a focus on local communities and scaling to serve students nationally and internationally, RISE's solution demonstrates a scalable model that can adapt to different cultural and educational contexts, showcasing its potential for broad applicability and impact.

Utilizing AI and adaptive learning technologies to tailor education to individual student needs represents a significant advancement in personalized education. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of their background or learning style, can access and benefit from the curriculum.

RISE’s solution is designed to have a transformative impact on individuals and communities by fostering essential SEL and resilience skills. The connection between RISE’s activities and the anticipated short- and long-term outcomes is supported by empirical evidence, program data, and direct feedback, forming a robust theory of change that underpins the initiative’s approach and objectives. Numerous studies, including those by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), have shown that SEL programs can significantly enhance students' economic standing, academic performance, social behaviors, and ability to manage stress and depression.

For every dollar schools spend on six common social-emotional learning programs, those interventions return an average $11 worth of benefits.

That’s the finding of “The Economic Value of Social and Emotional Learning,” a study released this week by the Center for Benefit-Cost Studies of Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College.

The theory of change for RISE's "dreams to destiny, a resilience blueprint" solution operates on the belief that equipping individuals with social-emotional learning (SEL) and resilience skills will lead to improved personal and academic outcomes. This approach is grounded in research that underscores the importance of these competencies in achieving success and well-being. RISE provides accessible, adaptive, and culturally responsive educational content online, focusing on SEL and resilience. It includes training educators to effectively deliver this curriculum and engage with students in a meaningful way. The direct result of these activities includes increased access to quality education for underserved communities, enhanced educator competencies in teaching SEL and resilience, and improved student engagement and learning experiences. 

RISE’s own evaluations, reflecting increased academic engagement and improved emotional well-being among participants, validate the effectiveness of its programs. For example, the recognition by NMPED and the usage of RISE’s platform by a broad audience underscore its impact. Interviews and feedback from students and educators who have engaged with RISE’s programs consistently indicate a positive shift in both learning environments and individual behaviors, underscoring the real-world impact of the initiative. 

In the short term, students demonstrate improved SEL skills, such as better emotional regulation, empathy, and problem-solving abilities. Educators report Over time, these improvements lead to higher academic achievement, reduced behavioral issues, and better mental health among students. Communities experience a positive shift as more individuals are equipped to contribute constructively to their environments.

By continuously monitoring these indicators and employing robust measurement tools, RISE can ensure that its programs are effective, responsive, and aligned with its mission to provide quality, equitable education and promote lifelong learning for all. This approach allows for ongoing assessment and iteration of RISE’s strategies to maximize impact and transform lives through education.

Impact Goals for RISE

1. Ensure Quality Equitable Education: To provide high-quality, culturally responsive education that is accessible to all students, regardless of their socio-economic background, geographical location, or individual learning needs.

2. Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities: To instill a love of learning and the necessary skills for continuous personal and professional development, enabling individuals to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

3. Foster Social and Emotional Competence: To equip students with the social-emotional skills needed to navigate life's challenges effectively, enhance interpersonal relationships, and contribute positively to society.

Measuring Progress Towards Goals

To track progress towards these impact goals, RISE uses several specific indicators:

1. Access to Education:

   • Number of students enrolled in RISE programs, particularly from underserved communities.
   • Geographic diversity of RISE’s student population to ensure wide-reaching impact.

2. Educational Outcomes:

   • Improvement in academic performance, tracked through standardized test scores, grades, and completion rates.
   • Increase in SEL competencies, measured through pre- and post-assessment tools designed to gauge emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and resilience.

3. Lifelong Learning:

   • Engagement in continuous learning activities, monitored through follow-up surveys and alumni tracking to see how many students pursue further education or training after completing RISE programs.
   • Development of a learning mindset, assessed through student feedback on their motivation, curiosity, and self-directed learning initiatives.

4. Social Impact:

   • Behavioral changes, such as improvements in empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution, as reported by educators, parents, and students themselves.
   • Contributions to community and society, evaluated through participatory activities, community service involvement, and leadership roles undertaken by students in various settings.

Tools and Methods for Measurement

• Data Analytics: Leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze educational data, providing insights into student engagement, progress, and outcomes.

• Surveys and Feedback: Regular collection of qualitative and quantitative feedback from students, teachers, and community members to assess the perceived impact and areas for improvement.

• Longitudinal Studies: Conducting long-term studies to track the sustained impact of RISE’s programs on students’ academic and life trajectories.

RISE’s solution stands at the confluence of modern educational methodologies and digital innovation. This approach not only broadens access to quality education but also ensures that the learning experience is engaging, personalized, and impactful. The use of these technologies aligns with our mission to solve educational challenges through innovation, benefiting both individuals and communities by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

1. Thinkific: This is used as the primary Learning Management System (LMS) to create, market, and deliver our online courses. It enables us to provide accessible and engaging educational content, track student progress, and manage interactions efficiently.

2. Thinglink: Utilized for creating interactive learning materials, Thinglink helps in developing dynamic content that can include images, videos, and other multimedia elements to enrich the educational experience and facilitate better understanding of complex concepts.

3. Typeform: This tool is employed for creating surveys, quizzes, and feedback forms that are integral to assessing the effectiveness of our programs and gathering valuable input from students and educators, aiding in continuous improvement of our offerings.

4. Web Hosting: A reliable web hosting service ensures that our online platform is always accessible to students and educators, providing a stable and secure environment for online learning.

5. Tome: Used for generating interactive and engaging digital storytelling experiences, Tome helps in presenting educational content in a more captivating and relatable manner, enhancing student engagement and learning retention.

6. Amoto: While not widely recognized, if it refers to a technology or tool related to content management or e-learning, in the context of RISE, it would be used to manage and deliver content efficiently across different modules and courses.

7. DDI (Development Dimensions International): If this refers to a technology or methodology for leadership development, RISE could incorporate DDI principles to train educators and administrative staff, enhancing their leadership and management skills to better support the educational mission.

8. Canva: This graphic design tool is used to create visually appealing educational materials, marketing content, and other graphical elements that enhance the aesthetic and instructional quality of our resources.

9. Motion Array: Leveraging this resource for high-quality video and audio assets, animations, and templates helps in producing professional-grade educational videos and presentations, making the learning content more engaging and effective.

The RISE solution team comprises 5 volunteer members who are dedicated to the mission and contribute their expertise and time to drive the initiative forward. 

• Eppie R. Lopez: Leading the initiative and contributing extensively to RISE’s development and operations.
• Stacey Ducat: A bilingual learning facilitator with extensive experience, contributing her skills to the team.
• Jessica Luevano: With a background in Sociology and Education, providing social-emotional support expertise.
• Sara Werner Hoskins: Bringing her experience in language arts and production to the educational content and program development.
• Rick Herrera: Offering financial and community engagement expertise on a consultative basis.

RISE as a formal entity has been in operation since 2019, the development of the solution it provides has been a longer journey. To quantify, if I include the years of experience and conceptual development that contributed to the formation of RISE, it would be fair to say that I have been working on this solution for approximately 15 years, considering the time before and after the official inception of RISE as a nonprofit. This timeline reflects the depth of experience and sustained commitment to understanding and teaching resilience, which form the core of RISE's mission and work.

RISE’s team embodies diversity in experience, background, and expertise, contributing to a rich, inclusive environment that aligns with our mission to provide equitable educational opportunities. Here’s how we ensure diversity and inclusiveness within our team:

Gender: 3 Female; 2 Male

Age: 3 Over 50; 2 under 30

Ethnicity 3 Hispanic

Diversity of Leadership Team

• Stacey Ducat brings a bilingual and multicultural perspective to her educational approach, enriching our program with inquiry-based and experiential learning methods that resonate with a diverse student body.
• Rick Herrera contributes extensive experience in financial services and a deep connection to the South Valley community, offering insights into the economic and social challenges faced by the residents, which is crucial for tailoring our programs to meet their needs.
• Jessica Luevano adds depth with her background in Sociology and Education, focusing on social-emotional support, which is vital for building resilience and well-being in our youth.
• Sara Werner Hoskins integrates a creative dimension through her background in theater, film, and education, enhancing our ability to deliver engaging and culturally responsive content.

Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Our DEI goals include:

1. Reflecting the Communities We Serve: Continuously striving to ensure our team represents the demographic and cultural diversity of the communities we work with, enhancing our understanding and connection to their needs.
2. Professional Development: Investing in ongoing training and development in DEI to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to an inclusive and supportive environment.
3. Equitable Recruitment Practices: Implementing recruitment strategies that prioritize diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring opportunities are accessible to a broad range of candidates, especially those from underrepresented groups.

RISE aims to maintain a team that not only represents a wide range of experiences and backgrounds but also shares a commitment to fostering an environment where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to our mission. This approach ensures that we can effectively address the educational and emotional needs of the diverse populations we aim to serve.

RISE’s business model as an educational nonprofit is designed to deliver substantial educational value to underserved populations, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our revenue model, relying on grants, donations, and partnerships, supports our mission-driven approach to make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. As an educational nonprofit, RISE’s business model is centered on providing value through transformative educational services that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our key customers and beneficiaries are students, educators, and communities in underserved areas, both domestically and internationally.

RISE offers an online platform that provides free access to a comprehensive curriculum focusing on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), problem-solving, and technological literacy. This platform plans to use AI and adaptive learning technologies to tailor educational experiences to individual learner needs.

Through digital platforms, RISE delivers accessible, scalable, and high-quality educational content and tools. This approach allows us to reach a wide audience efficiently and cost-effectively. In underserved communities, there is a significant gap in access to quality education and essential life skills training. RISE addresses this need by providing equitable access to high-quality educational resources that are otherwise unavailable.

Communities benefit from RISE’s programs as they lead to improved educational outcomes, which in turn foster greater opportunities for economic and social advancement.

In the long term, our revenue model is designed to not only cover expected expenses but also facilitate continuous growth and development. By strategically scaling our operations and diversifying our funding sources, RISE aims to achieve financial sustainability while expanding our impact on educational equity and inclusion.

RISE has initially been supported by smaller grants, which have been instrumental in covering operating costs and allowing the organization to establish its foundational programs. This funding has enabled us to develop and refine our educational platform and services. Now, as RISE stands on the threshold of development and expansion, we are strategizing to enhance our financial sustainability through diversified revenue streams and larger-scale funding. A significant portion of research, marketing, technical development, and operational support has been contributed through personal time and funds, showcasing a strong commitment to RISE’s mission and a lean operational model, and smaller grants have sustained us so far, affirming the feasibility and potential of our model.

The effective use of initial grants and personal investments to create and sustain RISE’s operations demonstrates our ability to manage funds efficiently and achieve set objectives. The growing interest in our programs and services, as indicated by our subscriber base and contractual partnerships, evidences market demand and the viability of our business model. And, positive feedback and endorsements from current stakeholders highlight the impact and value of our offerings, supporting our case for further investment and funding.

We are now positioned to pursue larger grants from foundations, corporations, and government entities that align with our mission. The success in utilizing initial smaller grants effectively provides a strong case for larger funding opportunities to further our overall goal: RISE can leverage its EDI-focused online courses and resilience curriculum to develop inclusive, accessible, and skill-oriented educational programs, supporting marginalized communities and innovators, and utilizing technology to bridge global learning gaps.