ABOUT RISE
RISE (Resource Initiative to Support Education) is a collaborative effort at PSALT to connect students of North Korean origin resettled in the U.S. with a team of professional/experienced volunteer tutors, mentors, and educational resources. We seek to equip, empower, and encourage North Korean students to grow and achieve goals in education, vocation, and personal development.
RISE SERVICES
1:1 Tutoring
Match students with instructors for ELL, TOEFL, Academic subjects
1:1 Mentoring
Match students with mentors for career/vocational guidance
ELL Resources
Provide resources to assist with self-learning for those unable to commit
to a tutoring schedule
Application and Essay Support
Assistance with applications, essays, and other questions related to school or scholarship application
Webinar Series
Interactive educational seminars on various topics including: college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, career development
RISE Scholars
Crowd-funded scholarship program powered by PSALT to build support for selected scholars’ educational goals, and develop advocacy skills
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BACKGROUND
Our outreach to North Korean refugees in the U.S. began with outreach efforts in 2007, resettlement work in 2009, and took further shape with the creation of annual programs including the Box of Hope Christmas care package program in 2011, and the Backpack Project for the back to school season launched in 2014. As our PSALT network grew and more students and families requested education-related support, RISE (Resource Initiative to Support Education) was launched in 2021-2022 to respond with services dedicated to these needs. The introduction of RISE Scholars in 2023-2024 extends the vision of RISE with a scholarship for North Korean refugees.
VALUES
Character
We desire to reflect the loving and healing heart of God to the refugee community and our partners. Volunteers at PSALT are a welcome extension of our team, and are expected to demonstrate Christlike character
and professionalism in the context of a
tutor/mentor-student relationship.
Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:1-17 & 23-24; Ephesians 4:2-6
Community
We are grateful to partner with talented volunteers, seasoned professionals, and incredible organizations with a shared vision to see the North Korean refugees thrive in their new community. We strive to provide a deep sense of community support and connectedness for the refugees, and a meaningful experience for all involved.
Romans 12:4-8; Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:44-47
Commitment
We are blessed to serve alongside experienced professionals who volunteer their unique gifts and precious time with genuine care and commitment.
Our approach to serving the refugee community considers the student’s academic, mental, and emotional health when assessing their well-being in our program.
We are committed to creating a safe environment that encourages sharing in the context of the lesson, personal development, and a positive and fruitful journey for students and volunteers.
Galatians 6:9; John 15:1-15; James 1:2-4