The RISE Scholar Program extends the vision of RISE by providing a partially crowd-funded scholarship to reduce financial barriers for students of North Korean origin and further empower recipients to pursue their educational and career aspirations.

RISE Scholars receive a base $1,000 award from PSALT toward tuition/fees, paid to their educational institution. PSALT also works with the Scholar to develop a crowdfunding GiveButter page sponsored by PSALT for the one year duration of the award period to garner further support and share their story with a broader audience. We believe this will help develop a sense of agency and self-empowerment, as well as community support and accountability.

In addition to providing financial support, the award includes a mentorship component to offer support for Scholars as they navigate their academic and vocational journey.

In order to be eligible for the RISE Scholars Program, the following criteria are required:

1. North Korean born refugee or a child of a North Korean refugee

2. Resettlement in the United States

3. Enrollment in a college, graduate school, or vocational program for the current award year. Proof of acceptance or enrollment required.

1. RISE Scholars application (online submission only)

2. Three one-page essays

3. Two letters of recommendation (one academic, and one character reference)

4. Proof of admission (acceptance letter/tuition statement)

5. Course registration information (for upcoming course schedule)

6. Most recent transcript (may be official or unofficial)

7. Copy of upcoming tuition bill

8. Financial Documentation (Tax return first page only, FAFSA if applicable

9. Resume (optional)

RISE Scholars are chosen on a variety of factors, including academic performance, financial need, personal vision and vocational aspirations, community service, leadership skills, and outstanding circumstances.

RISE Scholars applicants will all be notified upon receipt of the completed application package to confirm receipt. Potential awardees will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. Selected Scholar(s) will receive notice after the interview period.

The RISE team will work with selected Scholars to arrange for the award funding, and discuss the GiveButter page creation process. The RISE committee will work with selected Scholar(s) to create an edited personal profile, provide creative pictures that do not reveal the Scholar’s face, and discuss other further instructions to selected recipients so that PSALT can best advocate for Scholar’s support.

PSALT will create a GiveButter profile for selected RISE Scholars. The Scholar will have an additional profile on PSALT’s official website. Each Scholar will be awarded $1,000 provided directly to their school for tuition or related costs.

Support raised using the RISE Scholar’s GiveButter platform will be directed to the Scholar’s account for education-related and living expenses. Scholars are encouraged to maintain a basic budget/expense record, and account for expenses during the evaluation/renewal process.

Scholarships are not automatically renewed, but the student will be considered for subsequent awards per renewal application requirements including evidence of continued enrollment, continued interest, and other relevant documentation.

Applications must be submitted online here. Please submit all applications by Wednesday, May 14th.

The selected participants of the RISE Scholars Program shall be notified during the first week of June.