First-Generation Families

RISE

Berklee’s Student Success Programming aims to help first-generation college students Reach Independence through Support and Engagement (RISE), better navigating their Berklee experience with the help of student-centric programming, social opportunities, and parent/family connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a first-generation student?

Berklee defines "first generation" as “any student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a bachelor’s degree, and/or the student has no current contact with their parent(s) or guardian(s), regardless of degree completion.” If any of this sounds familiar, you are welcome to participate in RISE. Learn more by connecting with RISE program’s main page.

What is a first-generation family?

A first-generation student’s parent, guardian, or integral member of the student’s life.

Family Support from RISE

Orientation specific event for students and families:

During our Family Welcome Celebration at the start of new student orientation, we typically host a panel discussion with the RISE staff and other key Berklee staff on topics of:

Student Success Advising and how to manage the academic rigor of our curriculum
Case Management’s ability to triage and coordinate support within and outside of the Berklee campus
Housing support
Counseling and receiving private confidential support
Scholarship and financial aid comprehension

Student Success Programs will also host a first-generation student social for students to meet their peers and begin building relationships and community during orientation.

Monthly newsletter for students

This newsletter is a digital “care package” focusing on the student’s experience as a first-generation college student. It will include include helpful resources, upcoming events, and important information about what’s happening outside of the classroom.

Monthly newsletter for families

While your student is getting a monthly newsletter, you will be, too! What’s the difference? Through the essence of Reach Independence through Support and Engagement (RISE), we recognize that you are an integral part of your student’s support system. We want to provide you with the same general information, but with the focus of how you can support your Berklee student through the necessary steps to stay on track. Please sign up now to join the family newsletter! For any questions, please email us at rise@berklee.edu.

Financial Comprehension and Resources

We know Admissions has already connected you to Scholarships and Financial Aid. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you need. The One Stop Student Services team is here to support you and your student.

Steps you can take over the summer:

If you were unable to attend, view the recording of our Student Success: Pre-Orientation Programs and Services Webinar, which was held on June 21 at 1:00 p.m. EST. View the recording.
Visit our First-Year Families website, which has a variety of resources including our comprehensive annual Family Guide.
Visit our Campus Resource Directory, where we outline important campus offices and the best way to contact them.
Read and save our Berklee’s Lingo page. The more comfortable you are with this small list of terms, the easier it will be to understand your student saying: “I went to a caf show at 939 before going to Hynes to take the T to help my friend with a MTEC recording at Fordham!”

If you would like to learn more about the RISE program, please email the RISE team at rise@berklee.edu.