Encouraging Every Young Scholar To Be A Shining Star

What Sets Us Apart

OUR MISSION

We work to ensure that young scholars have access to educational opportunities by awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors who will attend colleges and universities, hosting seminars and workshops that promote positive relationship building, implementing programs and activities that encourage talented students to stay in school, and teaching financial literacy.

GALVANIZING THE FUTURE!

Rising Star Educational Foundation's Financial Literacy 101 program! We're so excited to help future leaders take charge of their financial future.

Our program is specially designed for students in grades 6-12, and it's all about empowering dynamic students with practical money skills.

From mastering budgeting and saving to understanding investing and credit, we are empowering students with the tools to build a secure and successful life.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

RSEF RESOURCE HUB

Khan Academy – Free lessons in all subjects
A nonprofit offering free, expert-created lessons in math, science, history, SAT
prep, and more.
Visit Khan Academy

BigFuture by College Board – College planning tools
Helps students explore careers, plan for college, and find scholarships.
Visit BigFuture

Common App – College applications made easy
A centralized application platform used by over 1,000 colleges and
universities.
Visit Common App

Fastweb – Scholarship search engine
A free platform that matches students with scholarships based on their profile.
Visit Fastweb

Money Smart for Youth
FDIC’s free financial education program is designed to help youth learn about saving,
budgeting, and making smart financial decisions.
Visit Money Smart for Youth

Junior Achievement
Offers interactive programs on budgeting, saving, entrepreneurship, and career
readiness for students.
Explore Junior Achievement

PLEASE DONATE

Together, we nurture a love for learning and bridge educational gaps in underrepresented communities. 🚀 Your contribution fuels educational programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives. Rising Star Education Foundation is doing its part to empower the youth. We have created a financial literacy certification program. We give scholarship monies to graduating seniors and first year college scholars. We are also working on creating empowerment events to further galvanize youth leaders in the community.

Join us as a catalyst for change. Click below to provide the gift of education and help create a brighter tomorrow for every child.

Our Team

The Board of Directors at the Rising Star Education Foundation stands as the steadfast compass guiding our mission, demonstrating a deep, shared commitment to empowering young scholars. Comprised of dedicated leaders with decades of expertise in education, finance, and community development, the Board provides the essential strategic vision and oversight that transforms potential into opportunity. They work tirelessly to secure financial access for students through scholarships, host essential workshops for positive development, and create programs that not only foster academic excellence but also cultivate a lifelong commitment to service and philanthropy in every young life they touch. Their governance ensures that every initiative is purposeful, sustainable, and directly impacts the next generation, proving that their commitment to our students’ success—both in the classroom and as future community leaders—is truly unwavering.

Dr. Gaye Lang
Board President

Dr. Gaye Lang serves as the President of Rising Star Educational Foundation (RSEF). She has worked in public education for fifty years, with thirty of those years spent in leadership positions. Dr. Lang has served as a board member for both the Boys and Girls Club of America and a local community theater. Her motivation for serving on the RSEF is to contribute to the betterment of the younger generation in the society.

Shannan Blount - Ryans

Board Vice President

Shannan Blount - Ryans serves as the Vice President of Rising Star Educational Foundation. She is a visionary with the ability to serve as a catalyst for profitable and orderly workforce change. Shannan has worked in Corporate America for over thirty years in the fields of Human Resources and Healthcare Management. Shannan has a passion for serving in the community, encouraging and developing inner city youth.

Erica Courtenay-Mann

Board Treasurer

Erica Courtenay-Mann proudly serves as the Treasurer of Rising Star Educational Foundation (RSEF), bringing her extensive financial expertise and passion for community engagement to the role. With an impressive 33 years of experience in the financial services industry, Erica is highly regarded for her strong communication skills and leadership. Her dedication to supporting community-centered nonprofits and her deep commitment to philanthropy make her an invaluable asset to the RSEF board.

Dr. La'Shonte Williams
Board Secretary

Dr. Williams is an accomplished higher education leader and administrator. With over two decades of experience in educational leadership, she excels at supervising daily operations, managing student support services like scholarships, and overseeing the development of strategic marketing and procedural plans. Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Prairie View A&M University and previously served as a Campus Administrator/Assistant Principal for Spring I.S.D.

Chris Butler

Board Member

Chris Butler is a member of the Rising Star Educational Foundation's (RSEF) Board of Directors. He works for the City of Houston as the Director of the Houston Permitting Center. Chris provides a plethora of experience to the RSEF board of directors. He is currently on another non-profit board. Chris is deeply committed to community service. Chris is a church leader and a family man.

Chantel L. Ashley

Advisory Board Member

Chantel Ashley serves as an Advisory Board member of Rising Star Educational Foundation (RSEF). She brings over 25 years of advanced clinical training, skills, and experience in obstetrics and gynecology. Her strong ability to foster trusting relationships with patients and collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams makes her an impactful community leader and advocate for positive social outcomes. As a member of the foundation, Chantel hopes to build awareness and foster new partnerships to further RSEF’s mission.

Donald Cleveland