Reaching and Inspiring Success Through Education
RISE is a not-for-profit organization that works closely with families and educators to provide children in East Palo Alto with a strong academic foundation and the self-confidence necessary to excel in life.Our Programming Includes
Early RISErs (Ages 0-5)
Bilingual (Spanish) classes partnering with caregivers to build critical early literacy, cognitive, and social-emotional skills.
Elementary After-School (Grades K-5)
Daily after-school academic support and creative enrichment, paired with weekly mentorship from Eastside Prep high school students.
Middle & High School (Grades 6-12)
A safe drop-in space providing core tutoring, snacks, and a trusted community to check in. (Launching mid-September: additional weekly community days alternating between creative and mental health support).
Little Blue House Collaborative (Birth to Five)
A welcoming physical community hub connecting families to trusted early childhood resources and play.
Our Core Pillars
While the San Francisco Peninsula is home to some of the world's brightest minds and most successful companies, our youth in East Palo Alto face persistent structural gaps in early literacy and academic safety nets. RISE exists to bridge these education and opportunity gaps between East Palo Alto and its neighboring communities. Moving beyond quick fixes, we stand by our students throughout their entire childhoods providing a continuous, long-term community of support. We empower youth to define their own vision for the future, build the self-confidence to achieve it, and take pride in their accomplishments as they grow into leaders who inspire future generations to make a lasting impact.
R — Respect
Honoring the unique experiences, voices, and agency of every youth and family we serve.
I — Inclusivity
Creating a deeply welcoming, accessible, and barrier-free environment for all community members.
S — Support
Providing continuous, holistic, and long-term care from infancy through young adulthood.
E — Empathy
Leading with compassion, active listening, and a profound connection to the grassroots community.
RISE thrives because of people who believe in the strength and potential of East Palo Alto families. Your support helps us sustain our programs and extend them to more children and caregivers each year. If you believe in creating welcoming, nurturing spaces for learning and growth, we invite you to make a gift today.
Help Us Achieve Our Mission
Fatima Diawara
Executive Director
Fatima is stepping into the role of Executive Director at RISE with a deep, lifelong commitment to supporting children and families. While she brings a sharp, strategic mindset honed during her time in institutional finance at BlackRock, her true life’s work has always been rooted in grassroots community care.
For Fatima, building sustainable systems isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about fiercely protecting the resources and programs that communities rely on. As a certified doula and former educator, Fatima has dedicated years to walking alongside families through some of their most vulnerable and critical life transitions.
This deeply personal, relationship-first experience shapes her entire approach to leadership. She understands that real impact doesn’t happen from the top down, but by listening to, advocating for, and empowering youth and caregivers right in their own neighborhoods.
Joining the RISE team feels like a natural extension of her core values. Fatima is profoundly excited to collaborate with the dedicated staff, local partners, and families of East Palo Alto. She is honored to champion the incredible work already taking place across the organization.
From early interventions at the Little Blue House to supporting students all the way through high school graduation, Fatima is committed to ensuring every child has the joyful, supportive environment they need to truly thrive.
100+
families supported through the Little Blue House Collaborative
100%
of our children and families identify as BIPOC
Partner with RISE
We make it easy for local companies to make a direct impact. Whether hosting a high-energy STEM kit build at your office or becoming an annual sponsor, there is a place for your team in the RISE community.