Totally Giving Back: Project Rise
A community-driven project headed by high schoolers is spreading resources to Title 1 schools in Austin, Texas.
Project Rise began in August 2024 with a group of students realizing children in their area lacked access to books and supplies. These resources are important to their academic success and confidence. Unfortunately, many schools don't have the budget to help every student.
Currently, Project Rise is made up of Emmy Huang in 10th grade and Nirab Dahal and Joanna Cruz, both in 11th grade. The students have additional support from their parents and partner organizations around the community such as the Greater Austin Reading Coalition.
How Project Rise makes a difference
Project Rise covers this gap by collecting community donations and hosting interactive events. Its members also raise awareness about this funding issue to prompt the changes they want to see in their community.
This initiative has touched the lives of over 2,000 students with more than 6,000 books at nine events. Recently, Project Rise members distributed free books and sensory items at a holiday party to support children on the autism spectrum. Totally Promotional contributed 100 frog-shaped stress relievers for the event.
The Project Rise team says their biggest success is seeing the faces of excitement when students realize they get free books.
"Seeing the direct impact we’ve made through these events, both on the students and the teachers who are so grateful for the support, has been incredibly rewarding for all of us on the team," Director Emmy Huang said.
What the future holds for this initiative
Project Rise's next goal is to distribute 10,000 books and make their initiative sustainable. The team plans to partner with local schools, businesses and organizations to expand their reach.
Huang said they are "passionate about showing other young people that it’s possible to lead projects like this and make a real difference in the community."
The team hopes their message will inspire others to take action.
Project Rise has several upcoming events in Austin. They are donating books to help Abby's Learning Center open a new children's library on January 15, 2025. On February 11, they are hosting a free book fair with Friends of the Children for mentored students from low-income families. They are also hosting a book fair at Anderson Mill Preschool to foster a love of reading in younger students on February 13.
The team believes their work is important to the future of many young people.
"Education opens doors, and we’re excited to continue supporting students and giving them the tools they need to succeed," Huang said.
Anyone interested in supporting Project Rise can donate new or gently used books or supplies. Financial contributions and volunteers are also welcome. Contact them by email at [email protected] or follow the group on Instagram at @atxprojectrise for updates on events.
Totally Giving Back is a program supported by TotallyPromotional.com and its staff to help individuals and groups in need. We believe it is important to give back to our local communities and spread hope to others around the world.
Learn more about Totally Giving Back and how the team at TotallyPromotional.com is making a difference.
