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SRA SOAR First-Year Program Application (June 2026 - May 2027)

Are you a first-year college student looking for personalized support, career guidance, and a community to help you succeed? The SRA SOAR First-Year Program is here to help you stay on track, graduate, and launch your career with confidence!

What is the SRA SOAR Program?

SRA SOAR is a virtual mentorship and support program designed to help first-year college students navigate their journey with confidence. Participants are matched with an SRA College & Career Advisor and Peer Mentor and placed in a small cohort of peers, ensuring a strong support system throughout the year.

What to Expect

From June 2026 - May 2027, scholars will take part in one to three virtual sessions per month, covering key topics like:
✅ Financial aid renewal
✅ Landing summer internships
✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome
✅ Interviewing basics
✅ And more!

This program requires a commitment of approximately 1.5 to 3 hours per month from June 2026 - May 2027. Monthly session dates and times will be determined based on participants' availability.

Program Timeline

📅 Application Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
📧 Welcome Emails Sent: Friday, June 5, 2026
✅ Confirmation Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2026
🚀 Scholar Orientation: June 29 - July 2, 2026

Who Can Apply?

You’re eligible if you:
✔️ Will be a first-year college student in the 2026-2027 school year
✔️ Will have graduated from high school by the end of the 2025-2026 school year
✔️ Will be attending an accredited two- or four-year U.S.-based college/university for the 2026-2027 school year

⚠️ Note: Students currently in the SRA Rising Stars Program are not eligible for the SOAR Program.

Stipend Information 💰

Participants who complete all program requirements can earn up to $600:
💵 $100 after the summer term
💵 $250 after the fall term
💵 $250 after the spring term

Is SOAR Different from the SRA Rising Stars Program?

Yes, SOAR and Rising Stars are different programs!

SRA Rising Stars is a five-year program for California Bay Area students. It accepts high school juniors in the spring of each year.
The First-year SOAR Program is open to any rising first-year college student across the U.S.

Questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or email us at soar@studentsrisingabove.org.

Disclaimer: Confidentiality policy

The contents of the application will be reviewed by the selection committee and will remain confidential
SRA does not and will not share the contents of this application with any outside organizations
SRA is designated as a Mandatory Reporter under California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
Please review our Privacy Policy here.
Applicants will receive email and text reminders leading up to the application deadline; text reminders can be opted out at any time by replying "STOP."

I am:

Oops! This application is ONLY for students entering their first year of college. The Second, Third, and Fourth (+) Year Application can be found here.

OK!

No problem! Send us an email at soar@studentsrisingabove.org and we will be happy to help you figure out if the SOAR program is right for you!

OK!

Personal Statement

Watch the SOAR Program Overview video (below) before responding to the following essay questions.

What do you hope to gain from being a part of the SOAR Program? (100-250 words)

If you were joining a new, virtual group for the first time, how might you help others feel comfortable and included in the space? What kinds of things make you feel comfortable in a new community? (100-250 words)

What is one of your academic or career-related goals and what kind of support would you need to accomplish it? (100-250 words)

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an education barrier you have faced. (100-250 words)

Disclaimer & Submission

5. Disclaimer

Disclaimer Section

I understand that any false information supplied will invalidate my application and will deem me ineligible to be part of the Students Rising Above SOAR Program and to receive financial support.

I understand some information about me may appear on the Students Rising Above website, newsletter, brochure, and other published literature approved by the Foundation for Students Rising Above. Information from this application is used solely for evaluation purposes and will only be used in aggregate for reporting purposes unless permission is granted otherwise.

I understand SRA is designated as a Mandatory Reporter under the California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

I understand SRA will do its best to work around my schedule, but that it is possible I may not be able to participate in SOAR due to schedule conflicts that lead to an inability to schedule me into a cohort.

I have read the above disclaimer and agree with and understand what is written.