Guadalupe Center introduced the Resilience, Inspiration, Support and Empowerment academic program that offers instruction specifically geared toward middle school students in Immokalee. RISE is the middle school extension of Guadalupe Center’s college-preparatory Tutor Corps Program. The program that feeds directly into Tutor Corps focuses on character development and academic achievement to drive students’ future success. Officials for the nonprofit said it provides peer-to-peer mentorship, helps develop leadership skills, builds healthy study habits and enhances confidence and self-esteem. Its academic programs offer supplemental instruction across core subjects, including language arts, math, science, social studies and the arts. During its pilot phase in 2024-25, Guadalupe Center will serve an estimated 30 sixth and eighth-grade students before expanding into seventh grade during the 2025-26 academic year. RISE is being offered as an after-school program based on-site at Immokalee Middle School, and it is free for students to attend. Operational costs are covered through grants and donations from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations.