One of our RISE tutors recently shared a remarkable story about a student who could not read and was very shy and withdrawn at the beginning of the school year, has blossomed.  Her love for reading and her success since entering the program has sparked a powerful transformation.

A lifelong advocate for community service, Debby Kalliokoski has dedicated her career to uplifting others. Originally from Ohio, she pursued her education in Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Voorhees College in 2003.

RISE Augusta has been recognized as one of ten organizations across Georgia to receive the distinguished Georgia Reads Community Award for its outstanding literacy programs and local impact. The award, presented by the Georgia Council on Literacy In February, acknowledges organizations with proven success in literacy improvements and a commitment to community collaboration.  Laurie Cook, Executive Director of RISE Augusta sat down with WFXG to discuss this honor.

I want to take a moment to honor and thank an exceptional leader, Kaden Jacobs, for his incredible dedication to RISE Augusta. After two remarkable terms as Board Chairman, he has passed the gavel to the capable hands of Jay Murray, Augusta Market President with TRUIST Bank.

When Reid joined our kindergarten class midway through the first semester, he was starting from scratch—literally. Unlike his classmates, he had never been to school before. When we administered the "Words Their Way" assessment, he scored a 0.

Laurie Cook is the executive director. She joins Jennie, along with the director of the STRIVE program, Angela Prince.

Now entering our third year of collaboration, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has championed books for kids!

What is “Summer Slide”? Research shows that over summer break, students typically lose two months of reading skills and nearly three months of math skills. This leads to the need for remediation at the beginning of the next school year, delaying new learning.

The "May the 4th Be With You" celebration was a resounding success, weaving together the spirit of adventure and camaraderie within our community. With lightsabers in hand and hearts united, Augusta soared to new galactic heights!