Empowering South Bay Youth through Comprehensive Programs at Teens Rise Foundation

At Teens Rise Foundation (TRF), our mission is to ensure every student in San Diego's South Bay has equal access to opportunities that nurture academic success, physical wellness, and mental resilience. Through our innovative Serves, Scholars, y Salud (SSyS) initiative, TRF delivers a range of in-school and after-school programs tailored to Title 1 elementary, middle, and high schools. TRF builds trust with school districts to gain entry into classrooms where services are delivered directly and in close partnership with educators and families, thereby removing financial and transportation barriers and better addressing needs.

Serves: Enriching Through Athletics

Serves provides after-school tennis programs designed to provide athletic opportunities that many students would otherwise not access due to financial constraints. With dedicated coaches fostering sportsmanship, self-esteem, integrity, leadership, and teamwork, these programs introduce tennis to schools and empower young athletes to thrive both on and off the court.

Scholars: Enriching Academic Success and Boosting College Readiness

Our Scholars component focuses on academic enrichment through career panels, college tours, family workshops, college application bootcamps, and mentorship by first-generation college students. These initiatives equip students with the necessary tools and guidance to navigate the academic journey, addressing learning gaps in English and Math while exposing them to diverse career paths and higher education opportunities.

Salud: Promoting Wellness and Resilience

In promoting wellness and resilience, TRF Salud programs provide yoga and mindfulness workshops and build youth resilience, enhancing student well-being and equipping them with essential coping strategies. These initiatives are crucial to help students manage stress, improve focus, and foster overall mental and emotional health.

Integration & Impact

A cornerstone of TRF’s approach is its direct delivery model in collaboration with local schools. By embedding programs directly into school cultures, TRF eliminates transportation barriers and integrates seamlessly into students' daily lives, enhancing impact and fostering stronger connections within the community. Here are just some of the results of this work:

Serves:

Over 700 hours of tennis instruction
500% increase in tennis enrollment from prior academic year

Scholars:

1,000+ students from grades 9-12 participated in “Success Looks Like Me” college and career activities and received academic resources to address English and Math learning loss gaps where

Students grew their English proficiency by 12%.
Students grew their Math proficiency by 23%.
Students were 3.5 times more likely to be college-ready in English, Math, and Reading.
Students were 4 times more likely to be confident in their college applications.
Students were 3 times more likely to understand what is expected in college.
100% of students in our programs graduated meeting the a-g requirements for UC and CSU
99% of students in our programs matriculated to 4-year university
17 students received a total of $50K in scholarships.

Over 400 parents engaged in family workshops where attendance was 3x higher compared to attendance in the prior academic year. Material is also delivered in Spanish to meet community needs.

Salud:

Mental Health & Wellness

91% program retention
25% decrease in depression
19% increase in motivation
12% increase in confidence

We invite you to learn more by reviewing our Impact Report here.

Commitment to Equity and Excellence

In response to the disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, TRF remains steadfast in its commitment to bridging the opportunity gap for low-income Latinx students. By bringing sports, academic resources, and mental wellness programs directly to students, TRF ensures that all South Bay youth have access to the same opportunities for excellence and success.

Teens Rise Foundation is dedicated to creating lasting positive change in the lives of South Bay youth through comprehensive programs that support their physical health, academic achievement, and overall well-being. By fostering a sense of accomplishment and belonging, TRF empowers young individuals to reach their full potential, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Through the SSyS initiative, TRF continues to pave the way for inclusive education and holistic development in San Diego’s South Bay, setting a standard for community-driven excellence in youth empowerment.