2021 Scholarships Awarded

June, 2018 University of Washington Graduate 

 Karen, an International Baccalaureate graduate of Kent Meridian High School was one of the First RiseUP Scholarship Recipient and First RiseUp College Graduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in American Ethnic Studies. 

Due to her immigration status, she was unable to access any of her awarded scholarships nor was she eligible for Federal Financial Aid. RiseUp stepped in and assisted Karen through her college years. 

Karen has been an outstanding example for other Latina girls striving for the highest education level possible. 

Karen currently works for the Leadership Without Borders Center on the UW campus in a program titled: Undocumented Ally Training. Impressed with their program, Karen and a team from the Center were flown to New York by the University of Syracuse to be trained on how they can successfully serve their undocumented students. Karen’s influence is reaching across the country! 

Karen’s future plans are to pursue a Master’s Degree in either Public Policy or Higher Education.

June, 2018 Washington State University Graduate  

 Jordan, a graduate of Kent Meridian High School was also one of the First RiseUp Scholarship Recipients and First RiseUp College Graduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in History.   Jordan also received RiseUp’s financial assistance through his college years 

Jordan also completed his term as WSU’s Student Body President (1st African American and non-Greek in 10 years). During his presidency, Jordan became recognized as a state-wide leader in student leadership as well as his work regarding student mental health and sexual assault awareness. 

On June 8, 2018, Governor Jay Inslee appointed Jordan to serve a one year term on the Board of Regents at WSU. 

Jordan received his Masters in Teaching and is currently teaching in the Issaquah, WA School District. 

Jordan is very passionate about giving back to his community as an educator.