Your end-of-year gift—no matter the size—directly fuels tutoring sessions, literacy tools, books, and the consistent encouragement that changes a child’s entire trajectory. Please make your final 2025 gift today and help us open the door for even more children in 2026.
Together, we can give them the support, the skills, and the belief they need to rise.

First-grader Lena recognized almost no sight words in August. Last month she read her first book cover to cover and then jumped up and shouted, “I DID IT!” Now she reads to her younger brother every night.

Frankly, some children can be difficult.  When we met nine-year-old Mary, her behavior overshadowed her potential. Loud, impulsive, and often sent out of class, she insisted she “couldn’t read.”

Feeling “not smart,” he hid under the table to avoid trying.  RISE tutors created a safe, predictable environment—one where mistakes were allowed and effort was celebrated. Slowly, Darrien tried again… and 

Her tutor gently pressed reset—returning to the very basics of literacy and rebuilding her confidence step by step. With patience, encouragement, and targeted practice, Marie began to see how much she did know and where her gaps could be filled.

At RISE Augusta, we believe every child holds extraordinary potential—sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether meeting basic needs, delivering early literacy programs, or equipping teens with real-world skills, we invest in students before they become another statistic. Our goal - brighter futures!

At RISE Augusta, we believe every child holds extraordinary potential—sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether meeting basic needs, delivering early literacy programs, or equipping teens with real-world skills, we invest in students before they become another statistic. Our goal - brighter futures!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, RISE Augusta has received 13,000 brand-new books for 2025! Each of these books represents a spark of imagination, a gateway to knowledge, and a powerful tool for empowering young minds.

On October 8, 2025, RISE Augusta launched Winning Wednesdays in partnership with the Harris Literacy Center—an exciting new series of free mini-workshops for parents and caregivers of children receiving afternoon tutoring. While their children learn, caregivers can participate in engaging sessions on topics such as everyday financial skills, internet safety, nutrition education, career development, family crafts and much more. Incentives and refreshments make each session both enjoyable and rewarding. 

We are so grateful for her work ethic and her heart for our mission. Cindy, you will be sorely missed and will always be part of the RISE Augusta family.

In 2024, RISE donated more than 41,000 books to kids, but leaders say their real focus is ensuring students can read on grade level by third grade, a milestone many parents may not realize.

“The true measure of any community is found in how it cares for its most vulnerable.”

On July 19, 2025, something incredible happened at the HUB for Community Innovation — thanks to YOU! 

1,414 book bags filled with supplies — a whopping $49,490 in community impact — were placed in the hands of children who are now ready to start school prepared and confident. That’s more than a number — that’s 1,414 bright futures launched! 

In a digital age dominated by keyboards and screens, it's easy to overlook the quiet strength of a pencil in a child’s hand. Yet handwriting remains one of the most powerful tools we have in building literacy—serving as both a mirror and a guide to the developing mind.

On May 27, RISE Augusta invited our incredible supporters to help us unlock a $25,000 matching gift challenge—and you rose to the occasion! In just two weeks, you helped raise $11,520 in new funding, bringing us one giant step closer to our goal.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, June 7th for our annual Book Bash! From face painting and games to great food, music, and—of course—free books, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. We were thrilled to see so many families come out to support literacy and celebrate summer reading. Your presence helped make this event a memorable one!

Listen in as Laurie Cook of RISE Augusta speaks on the importance of Literacy and Support for students in Richmond County on The Signature Mike Show. A SPECIAL THANK YOU!!! to the Signature Mike Show for taking part in this amazing fundraising effort. We are so grateful for the Augusta Area Newcomer’s Club & The Signature Mike Show for the generous donation of $23,500!

“Third, fourth, and fifth grade students will learn cursive with the goal for them to be able to read and write in this style fluently.”
Watch the Full Interview>

What a tee-rific day! On Monday, May 19, 2025, the “Golf FORE Kids” Tournament at the beautiful West Lake Golf Club brought together champions for children—and the results were nothing short of inspiring. With every swing, putt, and high five, you helped RISE Augusta give struggling young readers the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.