By Scott Ashton
For over a decade, North County Chambers have celebrated the resilience and determination of high school seniors through their Rising Star Programs. Designed to honor students who have overcome significant life challenges while staying on track with their education, the program highlights the strength and perseverance of these remarkable individuals.
The chambers partner with local school districts to identify the students who will be recognized each month. Throughout the school year, Rising Star students, along with their families and school representatives, are invited to a special breakfast event to share their journeys of perseverance and resilience.
Many of these students open up about the extraordinary challenges they’ve faced — experiences that no child should have to endure. Their stories, both heartrending and inspiring, resonate deeply with the business and community leaders who attend, leaving a lasting impression.
The Rising Star initiative first launched in North County through the Vista Chamber of Commerce and has since expanded to include the Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, and San Marcos chambers. A central focus of the program is to recognize students who show exceptional resolve in the face of adversity.
The Rising Star Program presents a unique opportunity for students by offering scholarship funds to support their educational aspirations. At the end of each school year, students who have been named Rising Stars are invited to apply for scholarships through their local Chambers of Commerce. So far, the five participating chambers have awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 260 students.
