History
THE STORY
In 2000, Mrs. Berridge founded “Rising Stars Academy” in View Park, CA. At that time, there were no programs available for young girls or boys of color to learn about proper etiquette. This was her drive behind opening up an Etiquette Academy and giving back to her community. Youth were taught self-esteem, self-confidence, self- respect, public speaking practices, banking, after school tutoring, acting, dance, modeling, gymnastics and more.
After moving to Moreno Valley in 2008, Mrs. Berridge learned that Moreno Valley had a significant high school drop-out rate. Her passion for opportunity youth drove her to establish Rising Stars Business Academy (RSBA), a 501(c)3 non- profit youth leadership development program. At the time of inception, Mrs. Berridge worked closely with YouthBuild Charter School of California’s (YCSC) leadership and sister YouthBuild leaders to apply for affiliation with YouthBuild USA (YBUSA), a national organization designed to provide occupational training and leadership development, all while they are working towards getting a secondary education. In 2014, RSBA was granted full-affiliate of YBUSA with all its benefits and resources. YBUSA and YCSC have been an intricate part of the organization's success.
Since opening up in 2010, RSBA has served nearly 1,000 youth, and graduated 609 with their WASC Accredited High School Diplomas. RSBA serves youth who have been or are still socially underserved, dropped out, aged out, pushed out, wards of the state/court, probation youth, credit deficient, previously incarcerated, gang affiliated, homeless, and the like. RSBA’s services have included mentoring, gang prevention/intervention, anger management, alcohol/substance abuse classes, life skills, leadership development, occupational/vocational training, college readiness, counseling, high school diploma, community service opportunities and job placement. RSBA graduates have gone onto college, military, the work force and even started their own businesses, providing services to the community in which they live in. We have always aimed and will always aim to help each individual reach the highest level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Self-Actualization. Our hopes are to instill life- long learning experiences to carry on for generations, building generational success.
OUR TIMELINE
Awarded Large Business of the Year by the Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce
Awarded $150,000 to expand our occupational training programming beyond construction to pilot a Culinary Arts and Hospitality program. Funded by Inland Empire Community Foundation via Riverside County Board of Supervisors Nonprofit Assistance Funds.
Awarded Capacity Building Grant from Elevate Youth CA of $400,000
Awarded their first government grant contract with the California Board of State and Community Corrections of $1.354 million to provide Violence Intervention and Prevention services to Moreno Valley residents.
RSBA celebrated 10 years of operation in Moreno Valley. Provided commendation award from the City of Moreno Valley’s Mayor and other local delegates.
RSBA was granted Full Affiliate of YouthBuild USA on December 5th to operate Moreno Valley YouthBuild and all of its components (Education, Leadership, Development, Counseling, and Graduate Resources). This opportunity allowed them to reap all benefits of affiliation, including the opportunity to receive pass-through funding.
Rising Stars Business Academy established as a 501(c)(3) in California. Partnered with YouthBuild Charter School of CA and applied for provisional affiliation with YouthBuild USA.
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2010
Awarded $150,000 to meet the growing needs of the organization by building out rooms to improve learning and instruction. Funded by Inland SoCal United Way via Riverside County Board of Supervisors Nonprofit Assistance Funds.
Awarded YouthBuild grant from Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration of $1.5 million to train 65 youth and young adults in the field of construction by June 2025.
Awarded Nonprofit of the Year from the City of Moreno Valley
5-Year Strategic Planning committee developed and implemented a five year plan with three priorities (Sustainability, Operational, and Programmatic).
RSBA celebrated their five years of operation at Hollywood Hall where they were recognized by the City of Moreno Valley, District Senator, Assemblymember, and Congressman.
First celebrated their first ever graduation with 83 graduates who weren’t sure if they could ever do it.