Serving East Mississippi Students
Helping Students Rise Above Poverty Through Education
Rise Above Poverty Inc provides scholarships, mentoring, and educational support to deserving students across East Mississippi — opening doors to college, career training, and lifelong opportunity.
Scholarships awarded to first-generation college students
Free workshops on FAFSA, applications, and study skills
Volunteer mentors from across East Mississippi
Our Mission
Every student deserves a fair chance at their future
In East Mississippi, thousands of hard-working students face financial barriers that stand between them and the education they've earned. Rise Above Poverty Inc exists to remove those barriers. We partner with students, families, schools, and community members to fund scholarships, guide students through the college process, and provide the mentorship that turns potential into possibility.
Our vision is a region where a young person's ZIP code, family income, or first-generation status never determines whether they can pursue higher education or meaningful career training. We measure success by graduation rates, career placements, and the way our alumni return to lift up the next class of students.
Who We Serve
Students, families, and communities across East Mississippi
We focus on Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper, Neshoba, Newton, and surrounding counties — including Meridian, Philadelphia, Union, Quitman, Enterprise, and DeKalb. Wherever an East Mississippi student is ready to work hard for their future, we want to be there for them.
High School Seniors
Graduating seniors preparing for their first year of college, community college, or accredited career training.
Current College Students
Undergraduates who need continued financial support to persist and graduate on time.
Non-Traditional Learners
Adult learners, veterans, and returning students pursuing new credentials and career paths.
First-Generation Students
The first in their family to pursue a college degree — often navigating the process without a roadmap.
Career-Training Students
Aspiring nurses, welders, electricians, HVAC technicians, IT professionals, and skilled tradespeople.
Families & Caregivers
Parents and guardians who want to support their students but need reliable, community-based guidance.
What We Do
Scholarships, mentoring, and readiness for real life
We combine direct financial support with the guidance students need to succeed once they're enrolled. Every program is designed with local schools, employers, and families in mind.
Scholarship Programs
Merit and need-based scholarships for tuition, books, and required tools.
Educational Support
FAFSA workshops, application review, tutoring referrals, and study-skills coaching.
Mentorship & Community
One-on-one mentors, career panels, and a supportive alumni network.
Student Success
Stories of persistence, purpose, and possibility
"Rise Above Poverty helped me file my FAFSA and paid for the textbooks I couldn't afford. I'll graduate next spring as a first-generation college student."
Jasmine, Meridian
Scholarship recipient (illustrative)
"My mentor helped me polish my scholarship essay and prepare for interviews. Today I'm in nursing school and planning to serve back home."
Marcus, Philadelphia
Scholarship recipient (illustrative)
"I never thought welding school was possible for me. The scholarship covered my tools and I'm now working full-time and mentoring others."
Alicia, Newton County
Scholarship recipient (illustrative)
Why Education Changes Lives
Education is the most reliable path out of poverty
Decades of research consistently show that higher levels of education correlate with higher lifetime earnings, better health outcomes, and stronger civic engagement. But in rural communities, financial barriers, family responsibilities, and a lack of guidance can put those benefits out of reach for talented students who have earned them.
At Rise Above Poverty Inc, we believe scholarships are only part of the answer. Students also need trusted adults who can help them navigate applications, financial aid, campus life, and career decisions. That's the whole-student approach we bring to every program.
How Donations Help
Your gift becomes a graduation cap, a work uniform, a fresh start
Every dollar donated to Rise Above Poverty Inc directly supports scholarships, books, testing fees, transportation stipends, and the mentorship that keeps students on track.
$25
Covers a standardized testing fee or a critical textbook.
$100
Funds an emergency micro-grant for a student in crisis.
$500
Underwrites a semester of course materials for one student.
$2,500
Fully funds a named scholarship for the academic year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Share your time, share your story
Whether you have an hour a month or want to build a deeper relationship with a student, we have a role for you. Our volunteers mentor students, review scholarship applications, coach interviews, host workshops, and lead community events.
- Mentor a first-generation college student
- Review scholarship applications each spring
- Host a career-day panel or workshop
- Coach students on interviews and résumés
- Support fundraising and community events
Recent News
From the Rise Above Poverty blog
Guides, stories, and practical advice for students, families, and supporters.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
›Who is eligible for a Rise Above Poverty scholarship?
Students who live in or graduated from an East Mississippi high school, plan to enroll in an accredited college, university, community college, or accredited career training program, and demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply. Both graduating high school seniors and current college students are eligible, and non-traditional students are welcome.
›When are scholarship applications open?
Our main scholarship cycle opens in January and closes in April of each year. Additional micro-grants for books, transportation, and emergency needs are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.
›Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Rise Above Poverty Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and every donor receives an acknowledgement letter for their records.
›How can I volunteer?
We welcome mentors, application reviewers, event volunteers, and workshop hosts. Visit our Volunteer page to submit an interest form and our team will follow up within a few business days.
›How much of my donation goes to students?
We are committed to keeping administrative and fundraising costs low so the majority of every gift flows directly to student scholarships, books, and support services. Our board reviews expenses quarterly to safeguard donor trust.