RISE First-Generation College Student Program
Who We Are
RISE, which stands for Reach Independence through Support and Engagement, is designed to help students confidently navigate their Berklee journey through tailored programming, meaningful social connections, and strong community engagement.
What We Do
Fall Orientation Program
We offer first-generation-focused sessions and events for students and parents/families during Berklee's orientation week every semester.
Book Scholarship
Thanks to a generous donation from the Navarro family, we offer students a scholarship, in the form of a Berklee bookstore voucher, allowing students to significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses on books and supplies for their second semester. In order to receive the book scholarship for spring 2026, students will need to meet the following criteria:
- Be an entering student for the fall 2025 semester
- Identify with the definition of “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;”
- Participate in at least two RISE events between September 2, 2025, and December 12, 2025;
- Be in good academic and disciplinary standing as of January 2026; and
- Be registered at least half-time in a degree or diploma program at Berklee College of Music or Boston Conservatory at Berklee for the spring 2026 semester.