Make a Donation
Your donations help provide meaningful experiences for the students and their mentors and scholarships for graduates of our program. Please email us regarding any gifts made as honorariums or memorials.
About Us
Children Who Thrive Create a Community That Thrives
At Kids On The Rise, we believe that children are most likely to reach their full potential when surrounded and supported by positive, caring adults. A mentor listens, encourages, establishes positive boundaries and acts as a strong role model to help students develop a sense of hope and vision for their futures.
Our Story
Kids On The Rise, originally the SMILE program, has been matching students with mentors since 1991 through a partnership with Rural Cumberland Resources. Students who participated in the SMILE program were paired with a tutor who met with them to assist with their academic development. In 2003, Kids On The Rise was established as a separate organization. Over the years, the organization found that students' needs encompassed more than academic assistance and the program began to focus on building a one-on-one relationship with a mentor. We currently serve approximately 55 students in grades K - 12 in Cumberland County schools.
Our Results
Students who are mentored are more likely to:
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Have greater self-esteem
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Stay in school
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Pursue further education
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Engage in fewer risky behaviors
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Since 2015:
35 students have graduated from high school
17 students have pursued higher education
3 students have completed a Bachelor's degree
5 students have completed technical certifications
OUR FUNDERS
Our programs are funded through grants, private donations, and funds raised through our annual Blue Jean Ball. The organizations below support us and many other organizations through contributions received. Please click on their logos to learn more about the work they are doing.
Meet The Team
Board of Directors
Josh Stone, President
Stone & Jones CPAS
Bridgette Cox, Secretary
Assistant Principal, Stone Elementary
Current Mentor
Derek Allen
Chick-fil-A
Anne Hofinga
Sage Intacct
Current Mentor
Kelly Thurman
Brown Elementary School
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Charles Lusso, Vice President
Retired, U.S. Army
Ben Whitson, Treasurer
Water Leak Relief
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Christy Dolinich
Synergy Medical
Stan Zuercher
Zurich Homes
Former Mentor
Tim Vandagriff
Total Military Management
Former Mentor