RISE 2015 - 2016 Program report FINAL

RISE Yoga
For Youth
2015 - 2016
Program
Report
RiseYogaforYouth.Org

OUR MISSION
ROOT. INSPIRE.
SUPPORT. EMPOWER.
RISE Yoga for Youth empowers students to be agents of
positive change in the world. Through the physical
practice of yoga, wellness education, and community
building, students develop inner resources to respond to
life’s challenges in constructive ways.
Our innovative curriculum has shown to increase
attendance and retention rates, improve academic
achievement, and help students manage stress. The
curriculum incorporates physical exercise, breath work,
and activities that foster social and emotional learning.
Stress management techniques and mindfulness exercises
are an integral part of each class, so students can lead
healthier, happier, resilient lives.

A LoOK
BACK IN
HISTORY…
RISE started in 2012 as a small pilot program in Mission High School, offering
yoga and wellness education as P.E credit to 20 students.
4 YEARS LATER
12 sites. 1,200+ Students. Ages 12 - 19
2015 - 2016 Site Locations
• Mills High School
• Hilltop High School
• Aragon High School
• Mission High School
• Carlmont High School
• June Jordan School for Equity
• Summit Public School: Denali
• Summit Public School: Rainier
• International Studies Academy
• George Washington High School
• Immaculate Conception Academy
• Palo Alto Medical Foundation

STUDENT
SURVEY
RESULTS
91%
Say that they feel
calmer and more
relaxed after
practicing yoga
70%
Say that yoga has
helped them feel more
energized
77%
Say that yoga has given
them useful tools to
handle stress
55%
Say that they sleep
better at nighth after
practicing yoga
Say that they have
learned how to use
their breath to calm
down when angry or
upset
74% 54%
Say that yoga has
helped them focus
better in academic
classes
73%
Say that yoga has
helped them gain
strength and flexibility

WHAT
STUDENTS SAY
ABOUT THEIR
RISE YOGA CLASS
• “Yoga made me want to come to school.” - Kaitlyn
• “Yoga has helped me be better to myself.” – Clarise
• “Yoga taught me that being more calm helps with everything.” - Dylan
• “I’ve learned to eat healthier and to care for the world.”
– Francisco
• “Yoga has helped me learn more about how my choices affect the
world.” – Gabriel
• “Yoga has helped me be more mentally active while doing my school
work.” – Anthony
• “Yoga has really helped me in dealing with other people. It’s taught me
to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.” - Alyssa
• “Yoga has helped me discover who I am as a person. Now, I am more
in touch with my feelings. I listen to my body a lot more.” - Veronica
• “I definitely focus better the period after yoga.” - Diana

RISE TEACHER
SPOTLIGHT:
Maria
Allocco
What did you Learn from your RISE students this year?
“So much. I know for a fact that these students often times come in with heavy trauma, and
that they have the trust in me to lead their bodies through asana for every class - and the
trust in themselves to take care of their own bodies for that class - is remarkable. It shows
a dedication to the practice that is inspiring. When I think about the intensity of high
school, and what these young people are going through, it makes my practice mean more,
and balances my perspective out when it needs it.”
What are some ‘big wins’ from this year?
“Some big wins at June Jordan: Jaime going from being really hard on himself, to finding
balance and self compassion in his asana. Menfil being honest (after some trauma) about
wanting his own sequence for extra grounding (he’d do his own special wall-sequence
during class), Nalayah going from texting on her phone to not wanting to miss a class,
Jasmine having an emotional break-through in pigeon pose, and all of us reaching the
point where we could do deep meditation together for 5 minutes at the end of class.
Some big wins at Hilltop: Danyell and Stacey starting their own at-home practice!”
What is the biggest difference between teaching a
regular (adult) yoga class and a RISE (teen) yoga class?
“The energy is strong and easy to read in the teen RISE yoga classes. This makes it easier
for me to adjust the sequence to fit the flow of the room. I find that the students also will
come forward and be honest about what they want, through their words and through their
body posturing. It’s a big gift to be able to sync into the flow together.
Also, what I love with RISE yoga classes, to be honest, is that as a mixed-race person of
color, I can teach other peoplpe of color. We feel a deep sense of safety in the room, which
promotes understanding, depth of practice, and further release.”

RISE SCHOOL
SPOTLIGHT:
Hilltop
High School
About Hilltop High School
Hilltop is an SFUSD Pregnant Minors Program that enables pregnant and parenting teens to:
progress toward completion of their secondary education; to make responsible and
informed decisions; to have healthy pregnancies and healthy families; to become
responsible, effective parents; and to become contributing, well-adjusted, self-sufficient
members of their communities. Hilltop students receive core academic instruction toward
high school graduation, special support classes in birthing, child development, and teen
parenting education.
RISE PROGAM AT Hilltop
The RISE yoga and wellness program at Hilltop High School offers bi-weekly pre/post-natal
classes for the teen girls. Classes are focused on various pre/post-natal breathing
techniques, restorative and therapeutic yoga asanas, and an in-depth study of relaxation
and mindfulness exercises. A big emphasis is placed on compassionate self-care and
therapeutic yoga and wellness education, so that these young women can enter
motherhood with confidence and grace.
HILLTOP STUDENT DEMOGRAPHIC
95%
Socioeconomically
disadvantaged
64%
Hispanic or
Latino
37%
English Learners
24%
Students with
Disabilities
African
American
19% 7%
Foster Youth

THANK YOU
FOR YOUR
SUPPORT!
TOGETHER, WE MAKE CHANGE.
Our work goes far beyond teaching yoga poses and
breathing exercises, and providing students with an
opportunity to relax. Our skillful teachers and innovative
curriculum help students connect with their authentic selves
and inherent self worth. We give students the space to
realize their unique personal gifts and what brings them joy.
We empower teens to know their inner strength and capacity
to be powerful agents of change in the world.
We are grateful for our donors, volunteers and partners who
invest in our mission. Because of your support, we can
continue strengthening our existing programs while
expanding to new schools. Because of you, we can bring this
transformative practice to more teens in the Bay Area. It
takes an entire community working together to make lasting
positive change in the world.
Thank you for being a part of our community.
2015 - 2016*
Leadership
Donors
Andreas Phelps
Anette Estevez
Emily Sumner
Gabriela Brenton
Jai Singh
Jennifer Finnerty
Kimberly Jyothi Schick
Marie & Dan Goodell
Susan Singh
The Pad Studios
Pete’s Coffee and Tea
Yoga Dana Foundation
Yoga Garden SF
*Our fiscal year runs from
July - June of each year.