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.

Featured Articles

Spring SBS Seminar for First Year Students

New SBS Course Offering for First Year Students this Spring!

Are you interested in making more connections while developing academic and career goals in a small-class setting? This seminar will connect you with like-minded peers, resources and opportunities around campus …

By Odessa Burkett
Odessa Burkett Associate Director of Career and Professional Development for 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 …