When this first-grade student came to us, he struggled in ways that broke our hearts. During his initial assessment, he wasn’t able to spell simple grade-level words, and there were even letters he didn’t yet recognize. He scored a zero.

RISE Augusta and the Harris Literacy Center have joined with a wide range of community partners—including the Richmond County School System, RESA, Augusta University, the Girl Scouts—to launch Get Augusta Reading, a local chapter of the Get Georgia Reading Campaign. These organizations represent just a few of the many partners engaged in this growing effort.

We are proud to share that both RISE Augusta and the Harris Literacy Center—two anchor education partners at the HUB—have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Georgia Reads Award, presented by the Georgia Council on Literacy in partnership with the Governor’s Office.

Every child is unique.  Each learns in their own way and at their own pace. Sometimes it just takes someone noticing the moment when a little extra help can make all the difference.

RISE Augusta is deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Augusta for their generous $25,000 gift presented on Monday, March 2, in support of our literacy programs serving children in Richmond County.

The other day, I met a young woman who wanted to learn more about RISE Augusta. We chatted casually at first, but before long she began to open up and share her story. By the time she finished, I was not only deeply impressed by her strength and determination, her story has stayed on my heart ever since.

We are thrilled to share some extraordinary news from the RISE Augusta family! Our very own Angela Prince, Director of Operations, was selected by the Augusta-Richmond County Branch of the NAACP to receive the Innovation in Education Award at their 52nd Annual MLK Freedom Fund Banquet on January 26, 2026.

Your end-of-year gift—no matter the size—directly fuels tutoring sessions, literacy tools, books, and the consistent encouragement that changes a child’s entire trajectory. Please make your final 2025 gift today and help us open the door for even more children in 2026.
Together, we can give them the support, the skills, and the belief they need to rise.

First-grader Lena recognized almost no sight words in August. Last month she read her first book cover to cover and then jumped up and shouted, “I DID IT!” Now she reads to her younger brother every night.

Frankly, some children can be difficult.  When we met nine-year-old Mary, her behavior overshadowed her potential. Loud, impulsive, and often sent out of class, she insisted she “couldn’t read.”

Feeling “not smart,” he hid under the table to avoid trying.  RISE tutors created a safe, predictable environment—one where mistakes were allowed and effort was celebrated. Slowly, Darrien tried again… and 

Her tutor gently pressed reset—returning to the very basics of literacy and rebuilding her confidence step by step. With patience, encouragement, and targeted practice, Marie began to see how much she did know and where her gaps could be filled.

At RISE Augusta, we believe every child holds extraordinary potential—sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether meeting basic needs, delivering early literacy programs, or equipping teens with real-world skills, we invest in students before they become another statistic. Our goal - brighter futures!

At RISE Augusta, we believe every child holds extraordinary potential—sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether meeting basic needs, delivering early literacy programs, or equipping teens with real-world skills, we invest in students before they become another statistic. Our goal - brighter futures!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Toys for Tots Literacy Program, RISE Augusta has received 13,000 brand-new books for 2025! Each of these books represents a spark of imagination, a gateway to knowledge, and a powerful tool for empowering young minds.

On October 8, 2025, RISE Augusta launched Winning Wednesdays in partnership with the Harris Literacy Center—an exciting new series of free mini-workshops for parents and caregivers of children receiving afternoon tutoring. While their children learn, caregivers can participate in engaging sessions on topics such as everyday financial skills, internet safety, nutrition education, career development, family crafts and much more. Incentives and refreshments make each session both enjoyable and rewarding. 

We are so grateful for her work ethic and her heart for our mission. Cindy, you will be sorely missed and will always be part of the RISE Augusta family.

In 2024, RISE donated more than 41,000 books to kids, but leaders say their real focus is ensuring students can read on grade level by third grade, a milestone many parents may not realize.

“The true measure of any community is found in how it cares for its most vulnerable.”