#United States #Charlotte #NCRising #CLTRising #Jennifer Hamilton

The Rising Movement Expands College Access with NCRising Initiative

In a significant step to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students, The Rising Movement has officially launched NCRising, designed to widen access to college preparatory resources beyond Charlotte, North Carolina. Building on nearly a decade of success with its CLTRising program, this new endeavor aims to assist high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students in more counties across the state.

Innovating College Accessibility

The launch of NCRising represents a pivotal shift in how college access is approached. By offering a range of services that are usually available only to those from affluent backgrounds, The Rising Movement seeks to fill the gap for students who might otherwise struggle to navigate the college admissions landscape. Both CLTRising and NCRising provide tailored advice, rigorous SAT and ACT tutoring, and comprehensive mentoring, enabling low-income students to successfully transition to selective universities.

Founded by Matt and Elizabeth Magan, The Rising Movement has helped students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area for nearly ten years, with graduates now attending prestigious institutions such as Dartmouth College, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Georgetown University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Their belief is that the success achieved in Charlotte can be extended statewide, demonstrating that personalized mentorship plays a crucial role in achieving college admissions success.

Leadership Transition to Drive Statewide Growth

To steer the NCRising initiative, The Rising Movement has appointed Jennifer Hamilton as its new director. Hamilton brings with her a wealth of experience in talent development, having guided over 500 alumni in securing positions in competitive corporate environments. Her focus will be on identifying exceptional students from under-resourced households to ensure they receive the same preparatory support afforded to their wealthier peers.

"Our mission is to empower families and create supportive networks that help these students thrive, no matter where they come from," said Hamilton. She acknowledges the importance of this work, especially in a landscape where educational resources are often unevenly distributed.

Expanding Reach: Recruitment for NCRising’s Inaugural Class

As part of its launch, NCRising is actively recruiting its first cohort of students, specifically targeting current sophomores and juniors for the 2026 academic year. Applications opened on February 15th and will remain open until April 1st.

The Rising Movement emphasizes that financial constraints should not hinder access to quality educational guidance. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that North Carolina’s brightest students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can achieve their fullest potential.

For more information or to apply, interested students and families can reach out to Jennifer Hamilton at [email protected] or visit the CLTRising website at www.cltrising.com. As a non-profit organization, The Rising Movement's aim is to bridge the opportunity gap for high-achieving, low-income students throughout North Carolina and provide them with the resources they need to succeed in their college endeavors.