RISE Readers
At Rise Academy, we believe literacy can change the trajectory of our students’ lives. Because we are a small alternative school, we have the unique advantage of seeing beyond behaviors and focusing on what truly drives student success. For many of our students, strengthening literacy skills opens the door to greater academic achievement, increased engagement, and more positive decision-making.
Rise Readers is a school-wide literacy initiative designed to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by building reading proficiency, confidence, voice, and positive community connections. We give our students a leadership role and build their confidence by allowing them to go into the community to support others. From elementary students just learning to read or to the elderly needing a reading partner, our RISE Readers are leading grass-roots mentoring and collaboration to support lifelong learning efforts.
Our goals are to:
• Break the cycle of crime and incarceration through literacy
• Improve future academic, career, and life outcomes
• Address generational illiteracy within families
• Promote restorative practices and positive community engagement
How Funds Will Be Used:
Support from sponsors will directly fund the following:
Literacy & Reading Access
• Adding books to our reading room selection including with high-interest, multi-level books
• Purchase school-wide reading incentive program (Beanstack)
• Books for lunch-time book clubs and independent reading
• Publishing student-written children’s books, poetry, and short stories to amplify student voice
Community Literacy Service:
• Transportation costs for literacy service field trips (bus rental, gas, drivers)
• Sponsored lunches for students participating in Rise Readers service days
• Literacy outreach to senior centers and Dorchester District Two elementary schools
Technology & Connection:
• iPads and audiovisual equipment for students to record readings
• Live and recorded literacy connections for students with incarcerated parents
• Themed books to support family connection and shared experiences
Student Motivation & Recognition:
• Awards and incentives for poetry contests, writing contests, and literacy milestones
Family & Community Impact
• A summer adult literacy program for parents and caregivers
• Funding for trained interventionists to support students and families
Why Your Support Matters:
Literacy builds confidence, self-worth, and opportunity. It gives students a voice and a future. By supporting Rise Readers, you are investing in prevention, restoration, and long-term community change. You are helping students be seen—not for their past mistakes—but for their potential, their growth, and their contributions.
We respectfully ask you to consider a one-time or ongoing donation to support this life-changing initiative. Together, we can break generational cycles of illiteracy and incarceration and create new pathways toward success.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and commitment to making a lasting difference.
For Questions or More Information:
Kimberly Bender
(843)832-5558
kbender@dorchester2.k12.sc.us