Retention Initiative for Student Engagement (RISE)
The RISE Application Is Now Open
Eligible students are encouraged to apply to participate in RISE during the Fall 2025 semester. Please read below for more information about eligibility.
The RISE program helps students enrolled in specific courses at ECC succeed financially and academically.
The Retention Initiative for Student Engagement (RISE) program provides assistance to eligible East Central College students whose financial situations might be a barrier to learning and staying enrolled. Students must be placed into certain courses to participate. The program is open to students in Union, Rolla, and online courses.
Students are encouraged to build strong study and attendance habits by receiving financial support for practicing these habits. They earn funds by engaging with their eligible courses (attending class on time, submitting assignments, and using student support services for their eligible classes). The funds they earn by completing these tasks can be used for any expenses (groceries, gas, housing, bills, household items, etc.).
Who can participate in RISE?
Students must be enrolled in:
- Connecting Reading and Writing (ENG 085), OR
- Two or more of the following courses:
- Complete an application by February 7, 2025
How does RISE work?
The program provides funds to participating students every week for fulfilling program requirements. Students are notified weekly via email about how much they have earned. The amount earned each week depends on the student’s engagement with the course.
Participating students can earn up to $100 per week by:
* Students have many options for using The Learning Center’s services, including seeing a tutor in TLC or online, meeting with an embedded tutor, meeting with a success coach, or using NetTutor.
Why Students Benefit from RISE
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m not the best student, but having this program set into place actually gives me an incentive to go to class and be on time.”
“The class I had RISE in was my highest grade.”
“[RISE] showed me that the college has many ways to help you and make sure that you are on course and ready to be successful and move on to the next big step.”
0%
of students said that being in RISE made them more likely to attend class.
0%
of students felt that RISE impacted how often they turned in assignments on time.
0%
of students felt the money they earned in RISE made it easier to get to campus AND concentrate in class.
RISE was established by East Central College’s Title III program, Soar to Success, and is funded by the ECC Foundation. Please contact Dr. Rachel Howard or Jean Woodson for more information.