Dear Supporter,

Spring at RTE is always a season of anticipation. At Paly, it’s the time of year when seniors begin to receive their college acceptance letters—moments of pure joy that represent years of hard work. But for many of our students, that joy is quickly followed by a daunting question: “How will I actually make this happen?”

As President of Rise Together Education (RTE), I have the privilege of seeing exactly how your support answers that question.

Today, I am writing to invite you to join our Annual Spring Fundraiser. This year, our goal is more critical than ever. We aren't just raising money for scholarships; we are creating the village that ensures our scholars don't just start college, but finish it.

The Power of the RTE Effect

In this coming week of our Annual Spring Fundraiser, you will read the stories of scholars like Isa, who is graduating from SDSU this year to become an educator in under-resourced communities. You will meet Nickolas, who is finishing his Psychology degree at Westmont College with a heart for service, and Jason, who is heading to Carnegie Mellon University for his Master’s in Cybersecurity.

These students all share a common thread: they are brilliant, driven, and resilient. But they also have a secret weapon—you.

Through your generosity, RTE provides:

• Financial Security: Direct scholarship grants that allow students to focus on "brain-wrecking" labs and upper-division coursework rather than financial stress.

• Committed Mentorship: Dedicated mentors who provide everything from internship leads to the warmth and encouragement needed to navigate the transition to university life.

Our Spring Goal: $60,000

As we look toward the Class of 2026 graduation and welcome a new cohort of 13 Paly grads, we are asking for your help to reach our spring fundraising goal. Your contribution stays right here in our community, supporting local students as they head out to change the world. 98% of your donation goes directly to student scholarships:

Will you help us rise?

The transition from high school to college is one of the most significant leaps a young person can take. At RTE, we make sure no student has to take that leap alone.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today. You can give online at risetogethered.org/donate or mail a check to our PO Box listed below.

Thank you for being the foundation upon which our scholars build their futures. When our students rise, our entire community rises with them.

With gratitude,

Tida Violante 

President

P.S. Many employers in the Bay Area offer gift matching! Please check with your HR department to see if you can double your impact for our scholars this spring.