SBS RISE works to create community for all students within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.  The program serves as a space for students to engage in conversations that speak to the challenges of higher education.  RISE also provides its students with resources to support them through their undergraduate journey.  These resources may be particularly valuable to students who are first-generation, economically disadvantaged, or navigating other barriers during their college experience.

Welcome to the SBS RISE Community!

SBS RISE stands for Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement.  SBS RISE works to create community for all students within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.  The program serves as a space for students to engage in conversations that speak to the challenges of higher education.  RISE also provides its students with resources to support them through their undergraduate journey.  These resources may be particularly valuable to students who are first-generation, economically disadvantaged, or navigating other barriers during their college experience. SBS RISE is also a part of SBS Pathways, which creates and provides students with useful resources throughout their undergraduate years in SBS.  You do not need to submit an application to participate in any SBS RISE events or take advantage of opportunities.  All are welcome to participate in events and activities.

How do I get involved with SBS RISE?

There are many ways to connect with SBS RISE, and you decide how involved you want to be. 

  • Follow us on Instagram (@sbsrise_umass) for professional development information, updates on events and opportunities, social events, and other information.
  • Come to social events to connect with other students.
  • Attend RISE workshops to learn about scholarships; ways to maximize your education through research, leadership, study abroad, civic engagement, and internships; and how to prepare for graduate school or next steps in your career.
  • Check your email every Thursday for the SBS RISE e-newsletter. There, you’ll find events and other opportunities every week.

Featured Articles

SBS Award for Winter/Spring Internships and Study Abroad Opportunities – Now Open

Are you exploring or have you been hired for unpaid or underpaid internship for the Winter or Spring 2027 semester? Are you interested in studying abroad during the Spring 2027 semester? Are you concerned about the cost? Don’t let that …

By Koni Denham
Koni Denham Director of Student Success & Dir. of First Year Seminars - SBS
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Finding Your Community at UMass Amherst

Coming to UMass Amherst as either a first time freshmen or a transfer student, walking onto this campus can be an overwhelming experience. You may find yourself traveling from across the globe, across the country, across the state, or even …

By Felicia Griffin-Fennell
Felicia Griffin-Fennell Director of the SBS RISE Program & Lecturer in Sociology
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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Summer Internships

The CBCF Summer 2025 Internship application is NOW OPEN! Spend your summer on Capitol Hill gaining meaningful experience in public policy, interact with senior-level business leaders, and build skills to prepare you for a career in policy and beyond. Did …

By Rebecca Bell
Rebecca Bell Director of High Impact Program Initiatives, Career and Professional Development for SBS
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This Year's SBS RISE Diversity Fellows

Meet Ashley
Meet Remanika
Meet Ashley
Meet Mia
Meet Qua'Nae
Meet Lea
Meet Phuong
Meet Balquis
Meet Juan
Meet Kyla-Journey

Research Opportunities

Student Success Stories

Featured Resources

The Pathways Center has created some useful training and refresher videos to help students explore and register for classes. Below …