Parent FAQ
Rise and Dream Academy
What is the Rise & Dream Academy?
Rise & Dream Academy is a faith-centered coaching and mentorship program for teen girls ages 13–18. The program helps girls build confidence, strengthen identity, develop emotional resilience, and take healthy steps toward their future in a supportive, structured environment.
Is this program therapy or counseling?
No. Rise & Dream Academy provides personal development coaching and mentorship, not therapy or clinical mental health services.
We do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions. If a student requires therapeutic or clinical support, families will be referred to licensed professionals.
Who leads the program?
The program is led by Alicia Baker-Long, a Certified Student Coach, motivational speaker, and founder of the Rise & Dream Academy. Alicia has professional experience working with youth and young adults and brings a structured, compassionate, and faith-centered approach to mentorship.
What ages do you serve?
We serve teen girls ages 13–18, divided into two age-based cohorts:
Ages 13–15
Ages 16–18
This separation ensures age-appropriate conversation, emotional safety, and peer connection.
How many students are in each cohort?
Each cohort is limited to 7 students.
This intentional size allows every girl to receive individual attention, feel safe sharing, and build meaningful connections.
How long is the program?
The Foundation Program is 10 weeks long.
Weeks 1–3: One-on-one coaching sessions
Weeks 4–10: Bi-weekly group coaching sessions
This structure allows trust to be built before group engagement begins.
When are sessions held?
Group sessions are held on Saturdays:
Ages 16–18: 10:00 AM
Ages 13–15: 12:00 PM
One-on-one sessions are scheduled individually.
Is the program really free?
Yes. Tier 1 (the Foundation Program) is offered as a free membership to ensure accessibility for families.
There may be optional opportunities for continued mentorship after completion, but participation in Tier 2 is never required.
Final Note to Parents
Rise & Dream Academy was created for girls who need guidance, encouragement, and a reminder that their circumstances do not define their future.
We are honored to partner with families in this journey.
Topics include:
Identity and self-worth
Emotional resilience
Confidence and communication
Faith and purpose
Dream awareness and goal-setting
Healthy peer relationships
Leadership development
All content is age-appropriate and facilitated with care.
How is my daughter’s safety protected?
Student safety is a top priority.
We maintain:
Clear boundaries and expectations
Mandatory reporting compliance
Confidentiality standards (with safety exceptions)
Parent communication when concerns arise
Age-appropriate facilitation
Supervised and structured sessions
Parents receive safety policies and communication guidelines prior to participation.
What if my daughter is shy or hesitant to participate?
Many students begin the program feeling shy or unsure. That is why the program starts with one-on-one sessions before group meetings.
Students are never forced to share. Participation is encouraged but always respectful of comfort levels.
Is this a faith-based program?
Yes. Rise & Dream Academy is faith-centered and rooted in biblical principles. Faith is integrated in a respectful, encouraging way.
We welcome families who value character, purpose, and positive spiritual development.
Will my daughter be recorded or posted on social media?
Only with explicit parent consent.
Media participation is optional. Students are never identified publicly by name without written permission.
What if my daughter misses a session?
We understand that conflicts arise. Students are encouraged to attend all sessions, but absences can be discussed.
Consistent absence may result in removal from the cohort to protect group consistency.
What happens after the 10-week program ends?
After completing the Foundation Program, some students may be invited to continue into Tier 2: Ongoing Mentorship(paid).
Participation is optional and based on readiness, availability, and interest.
How do we apply?
Parents can apply by completing the Free Membership Intake Form on our website.
You will receive confirmation and next steps within 48 hours of submission.
Final Note to Parents
Rise & Dream Academy was created for girls who need guidance, encouragement, and a reminder that their circumstances do not define their future.
We are honored to partner with families in this journey.