SBS RISE is designed to foster a strong sense of community and offer tailored academic opportunities for students in the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) who have been historically underrepresented in higher education. This includes students who identify as first-generation college students, students of color, and/or those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.  All are welcome to attend events and gatherings.

Welcome to the SBS RISE Community!

SBS RISE stands for Remedying Inequity through Student Engagement.  The program serves SBS undergraduate students who identify as first-generation, students of color, and/or come from low income backgrounds.  SBS RISE is designed to create community, and provide specialized academic programs and opportunities for underrepresented students within SBS.  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.  You are already a member of this community by majoring in an SBS major and identifying in one of the three ways mentioned above. All are welcome to attend events and gatherings.

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 Spring Study Abroad Opportunities – Now Open

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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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Sidebar

This Year's SBS RISE Diversity Fellows

Meet Jaydin
Meet Shwe
Meet Sherell
Meet Upasana
Meet Theresa
Meet Lea
Meet Alex
Meet Christmaelle

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 …