Welcome to the Arise Program!  I’m thrilled to invite you to learn more about us and how we can support you.  I can relate to many of you, being the daughter of immigrant parents, born and raised on the U.S. territory of Guam (Guahan).  I earned all three of my college degrees here in California, starting at Mt. SAC as a first-generation, low-income college student.  So I know first-hand how a program like Arise can enrich your experience.   

Arise is a new grant-funded program serving the needs and interests of our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, as well as other under-represented students.  Our primary goal is to enhance your academic and personal development through a network of linked services.  These include academic and personal counseling, educational advisement, study hall, tutoring, learning communities, English language skill workshops, cultural field trips, and AAPI conferences. 

On the horizon, we eagerly anticipate the development of a student leadership retreat, mentoring activities, and guest speakers to address campus’ multicultural awareness of the AAPI experience, career development, and other relevant topics.

No matter where you are on your educational journey, seize every resource available to you and “Arise” to the challenges ahead.  Your personal commitment to your educational goals is also our commitment.   Exploring this website is only the beginning.   Please meet with us personally to explore how Arise can help you grow and thrive! 

Wishing you all the best,

Aida Cuenza-Uvas,  Arise Director