RISE First-Generation Student Program

Student Success Programming is proud to present RISE, Berklee's first dedicated support program for first-generation students. We aim to help first-generation college students Reach Independence through Support and Engagement, better navigating their Berklee experience with the help of student-centric programming, social opportunities, and parent/family connections.

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. Please contact us at rise@berklee.edu to learn more about joining our program.

Reasons to Participate in RISE

Access to a network of first-generation faculty and staff who offer mentoring and support.
Opportunity for fall 2025 entering students to earn a book scholarship after one semester of participation in the program.
A series of events to help support your success at Berklee.
Breakfast or lunch is available at each workshop. That's right, free food is always included!
Exclusive RISE swag, such as insulated beverage thermoses (for those RISE and Shine breakfasts), T-shirts, belt bags, tech organizers, and more.
Connection to opportunities, information, resources, and experiences.

RISE Book Scholarship

Thanks to a generous donation from the Navarro family, Student Success Programming will be offering a book scholarship for the spring 2025 semester to any student meeting the criteria below. This scholarship will be offered 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.

What We Do

We offer first-generation-focused sessions and events for students and parents/families during Berklee's orientation week every semester.

Entering first-generation students who are living on campus can select our RISE: First Gen Living Learning Community for their residential experience. Participants will live with other first-generation students and receive additional social and programming support to help guide them through their first year of college.

The relationship and communication between first-generation students and their parents/families/guardians is crucial to their academic success. These resources will allow supporters of first-generation students to be more aware of what their student is experiencing, learn how to access financial resources for college, and engage with information about how to support their student at Berklee.