Project R.I.S.E. to Broaden Future Educator Pipeline

Cal State San Marcos’ School of Education has received a $40,000 grant from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union to launch Project R.I.S.E. (Recruiting Inclusive, Supportive Educators), an initiative aimed at strengthening and broadening Southern California’s educator pipeline.

Project R.I.S.E. will focus on multiple priorities, from building pathways into teaching through future educator summits to hosting workshops that will connect high school, community college and university students interested in education. The project also will support the Emerging Leaders Academy, which will prepare teachers for equity-based leadership roles in partnership with local districts and remove financial barriers by expanding a  fund that helps credential candidates cover essential costs like testing and certification fees.

Cassiopeia Guthrie, a member of the Distinguished Teachers in Residence program in the School of Education, is leading the project activities as the Project R.I.S.E. faculty fellow. She will coordinate programming and planning, helping to create sustained outreach and support across partner districts. That role also will lay the groundwork for a future Project R.I.S.E. center, envisioned as a hub to strengthen regional recruitment and pipeline development for aspiring educators.

Moses Ochanji, director of the School of Education, said the initiative is rooted in opportunity and equity.

“By opening doors early, supporting students along the way and removing financial barriers, we are ensuring that students in as early as high school grades see teaching as a viable and welcoming profession and also that our schools will be led by educators who reflect and understand the communities they serve,” Ochanji said.

“The School of Education is grateful for the partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union in working to remove barriers before they become roadblocks.”

Jennifer Ostergren, dean of the College of Education, Health and Human Services, called the partnership with SchoolsFirst a timely investment.

“This is more than a grant,” Ostergren said. “It is a commitment to building pathways for the next generation of teachers and leaders.”

The announcement comes at a critical time as California continues to face teacher shortages, particularly in high-need communities. With Project R.I.S.E., CSUSM is positioning itself at the forefront of solutions by engaging students early, supporting them through credentialing and preparing them for impactful careers in education.

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Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist
bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306