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 identify as first-generation college students or those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.  All are welcome to participate in events and activities.

Featured Articles

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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NSOT Course Registration Videos

The Pathways Center has created some useful training and refresher videos to help students explore and register for classes. Below are videos on how to take advantage of the Guide to Undergraduate Programs resource, how to complete a simple class …

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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 …