Help a young person discover what is possible.
We open doors to the activities and education that shape a life, for young people whose families face financial barriers.
Looking for support for a student? Explore scholarships and apply
We empower youth facing economic barriers to discover their passions, develop their talents, and build pathways to their future.
Talent is everywhere. Access is not. A registration fee, an instrument, or the cost of getting started at college can be the only thing standing between a young person and what they could become. We exist to remove it.
One path, from sixth grade through college.
A young person finds something they love. A family gets help making it possible. A student begins college with support behind them. Each program meets a student at a different point along the way.
Find Your Passion
Covers the cost of an activity, such as dance, athletics, or music, so a student can take part and discover what they love.
Explore the program
Fresh Start
Helps new freshmen with the essential transition expenses that tuition and financial aid do not typically cover.
Explore the program
Go the Distance
Ongoing financial support that keeps students moving toward graduation and the career beyond it.
Explore the program
It began with one grilled cheese sandwich.
Our founder, Charisse Rivers, grew up in the Florida Keys with two siblings and a single father who worked as a tree trimmer. During one hard stretch, he took his children to a restaurant with enough money for a single sandwich to share.
The owner noticed, and brought each child a grilled cheese of their own. Then an entire community rallied around the family and helped shape three childhoods.
Charisse never forgot what it felt like to be noticed. The foundation exists so that more young people can know that feeling.
What generosity has made possible.
Every award is funded by people and businesses who chose to show up for a young person they may never meet.
- 21Young people supported in our first year of awards.
- 3Programs that follow a student from sixth grade through college.
- 2018The year the foundation became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
"When you're a kid you don't necessarily know you are living in poverty until you do."Charisse Rivers, Founder
We report what we can verify and name the period each number covers. As the work grows, so will this record.
There is more than one way to show up.
A restaurant owner gave three sandwiches. Two dance studios opened their doors. Everyone gave what they had.
A one-time gift helps fund the next award. A monthly gift lets us plan ahead and say yes to more students. Businesses can sponsor a program or an event.
Looking for support for a student?
If cost is standing between your student and an activity, or a strong start at college, we would like to hear from you. The Apply page explains who qualifies for each program, what you will need, and when applications are due.
- In grades 6 to 12 and ready to join an activity: Find Your Passion
- A high school senior heading to college or trade school: Fresh Start
- Already in college and working toward graduation: Go the Distance
Every talent deserves room to grow.
Someone once showed up for a child. Today, that someone can be you.
Your gift helps a young person join the team, take the class, or begin college with support behind them.