At R.I.S.E. (Reach Inspire Soar Empower) Academy, we are dedicated to empowering Ottawa’s youth by providing free, tailored programming that meets their unique needs. As a not-for-profit virtual alternative high school, we focus on supporting students from low-income, racialized, marginalized, and disabled communities, ensuring they have access to quality education. Our mission is to create a better world through education by collaborating with organizations to develop courses that accommodate diverse learning styles. By leveraging students’ strengths, passions, and motivations, we empower them to take charge of their own learning journeys.
Our approach is rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, providing students with a global framework to explore real-world issues that resonate with them. Through this model, students develop passion projects addressing challenges within their communities and beyond—while simultaneously earning credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This dual focus fosters both a sense of social responsibility and academic achievement, equipping students for future success.
Currently, we collaborate with esteemed youth programs such as Caldwell Family Centre, Multifaith Housing Initiative, Carp Ridge Learning Centre, and Kayla’s Children Centre. We are eager to expand our reach and build partnerships with more organizations across Ontario.
Thank you for considering our request for funding and for supporting our mission to inspire and empower the next generation.