Rise-Up 15,807

Partnership with Summers Wellness Farm to help athletes find success after their sport

Rise-Up 15,807 (Non Profit Organization)

The Rise Up Foundation: Empowering Black Youth
History
The Rise Up Foundation was founded by Kevin Summers, who grew up in a small rural town of 1,100 people, the son of a farmer and a teacher. Summers, a former college basketball player, once dreamed of making it to the NBA, believing it was his only ticket off the farm and into college. However, after just one year of college basketball, his NBA aspirations were cut short. Undeterred, Summers shifted his focus to the field of information technology. Armed with a Computer Science degree from the College of Charleston and an MBA from Duke University, he went on to become one of the Top 100 CIOs in the world, serving as CIO for several Fortune 100 companies. Along the way, he garnered numerous personal and organizational awards and built substantial wealth through his technology career and real estate investments.
 
Now, Summers is dedicated to sharing the keys to his success with 15,807 people, hence the name of his non-profit RiseUp_15807. Inspired by NBA legend John Stockton, Summers aims to surpass Stockton’s all-time assist record—not on the court, but in the community. His vision is to empower others to “rise up” and unlock their full potential by focusing on a technology career, mental, physical, and financial well-being. Having transitioned from his sports career to a successful new path, Summers is committed to helping others find success beyond the game, just as he did.
I. Program Development for Mental and Physical Well-being
  • Program development for mental well-being
  • Mobile App for tracking progress and connecting with others
  • Healthy eating and nutrition guidance
  • Connect with others who share similar goals and challenges
  • Get advice from experts and mentors
  • Track progress and celebrate successes
II. Physical Well-being, Healthy Food, and Exercise
  • Nutrition guidance and healthy eating tips
  • Exercise and physical activity programs
  • Connect with others who share similar fitness goals
  • Get advice from fitness experts and mentors
  • Track progress and celebrate successes
III. Support for Financial Well-being
  • Financial literacy and education programs
  • Investment and wealth-building strategies
  • Connect with others who share similar financial goals
  • Get advice from financial experts and mentors
  • Track progress and celebrate successes
IV. Supporting Black Innovators and Excellence
  • Scholarship and incubators for Black entrepreneurs
  • Coaching and development programs for Black innovators
  • Investing in Black-led start-ups and businesses
  • Connecting Black innovators with mentors and experts
  • Celebrating and showcasing Black excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship
Join the Movement: Support Our Youth Today
We are committed to empowering 15,807 Black youth by providing them, along with their parents, the tools and techniques needed to support their young athletes as they grow into successful young men and women. Our mission extends beyond the game, focusing on holistic development. We emphasize the importance of health—nourishing the body with good food, ensuring quality sleep, engaging in therapeutic exercises, and accessing mental health support. We also encourage strong connections with loved ones, fostering love and understanding without the need for external validation.

Problem Statement: Addressing the Mental Health Challenges of Student-Athletes

  1. Pressure and Performance: For many student-athletes, self-esteem and self-worth are directly tied to their playing time, rankings, and on-field success. The constant evaluation by coaches, scouts, teammates, and rivals creates immense pressure, leading to heightened anxiety both on and off the field.
  2. Increased Risk for Collegiate and Elite Athletes: Collegiate and elite athletes face unique stressors, such as balancing social life, rigorous training, and the stigma surrounding mental health. These pressures increase their risk of developing anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorders.
  3. Over-Identification with Athletic Identity: Athletes often identify so strongly with their sports and goals that they neglect personal relationships and social life. The relentless focus on performance at the highest level can lead to detachment from loved ones and increased isolation.
  4. Post-Competition and Retirement Challenges: When competitions end or athletes retire, they often feel lost without the structured challenges that once governed their lives. The sudden absence of immediate goals can leave them struggling to find purpose.
  1. Inability to Celebrate Achievements: Athletes frequently downplay their accomplishments, focusing instead on what’s next or what they could have done better. This relentless drive prevents them from recognizing and celebrating their successes.
  2. Psychological Decline After Retirement: The end of an athletic career can trigger a psychological crash, as many athletes experience a significant reduction in well-being, mood swings, and feelings of emptiness when they no longer have the activities that once defined their value.
  3. Mental Health Issues Post-Career: Research indicates that 35% of athletes face mental health issues after their careers end, highlighting the urgent need for support during this transition.
  4. High School Athlete Stress: A staggering 91% of high school athletes report experiencing stress due to their sport, with 58% indicating moderate to extreme levels of stress. This early exposure to pressure can have long-lasting effects on their mental health.
Fundraising events are essential for non-profits to engage supporters and raise funds. Watch for future events from Rise_Up 15807:
  • Gala Dinners
  • Charity Auctions
  • Benefit Concerts
  • Golf Tournaments
  • Online Crowdfunding Campaigns
  • Workshops and Seminars
  • Virtual Events
  • Corporate Sponsorships Matching Gift Campaigns
  • Dining for Dollars
  • Corporate Sponsorships

Our programs help youth connect with nature, explore new cultures, and discover pathways to success beyond sports that promote long-term well-being. Your generous donation will directly support the programs, facilities, technological advancements, and expert resources necessary to bring this vision to life.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to helping 15,807 individuals achieve success beyond sports, just as I did and many others. Please consider donating today to help us “rise up” and make a lasting impact on the lives of Black youth. Together, we can create a brighter future and empower the next generation to reach their full potential.

Donate now and be part of something special.

Donate
amount donated
$ 0