ABOUT US
Our Mission
AROSE’s (previously known as the Alicia R. Pruitt Foundation) mission is to bridge the opportunity gap for underserved Black & Brown youth in trauma-prone communities through post-secondary scholarships, support services, and community outreach initiatives.
Our Vision
Youth who arose from trauma-prone communities continue their education and become the next generation of leaders.
Our Story
BriElle Bryson founded AROSE in honor of her late mother, Alicia Rose Pruitt. Despite growing up in a low-income community, Alicia showed BriElle that with education and perseverance, she could accomplish anything, no matter the circumstances. BriElle knows firsthand the impact that various traumas can have on young adults furthering their education and evolving in their professional careers. Youth who experience trauma become fragile but aren’t broken. Without the proper help and support, they can lose their way. AROSE is dedicated to helping youth envision a world beyond their neighborhoods and achieve post-secondary success.
OUR IMPACT
THE PROBLEM
A devastating opportunity gap exists for students growing up in low income, trauma-prone communities. Research shows that Black & Brown students are dropping out of college at alarming rates and are less likely to receive a post-secondary degree due to financial stress and a lack of resources. AROSE is dedicated to closing this barrier for our youth through their post-secondary program.
Financial Support
Renewable scholarships are provided for the first 2 years of post-secondary programs.
Scholar Support
Scholars are paired with a success coach responsible for helping the student navigate the completion and achievement of their academic goals.
Scholar Learning & Development
Scholars receive leadership & personal development training that will equip them with success fundamentals.
Bridging the Gap Towards Higher Education
AROSE helps its scholars transition from high school to their post-secondary programs by providing renewable financial and student support as well as mentorship & networking opportunities.
AROSE
Scholar Profile
We prioritize Black & Brown HS students from low-income communities. Our students are high-potential, academically inclined, and resilient. However, they have experienced trauma & other devastating circumstances that have placed them at a disadvantage for post-secondary success.
Culturally Relatable
AROSE is led by a group of young black professionals that are culturally relatable to our students.
Invested in Our Communities
AROSE offers more than just scholarships and post-secondary support, we serve youth in our local communities alongside schools and other youth organizations
Alicia Rose Pruitt was born March 8, 1967 in Flint, Michigan. She always excelled in her academics, and as an adult was always enrolled in graduate or doctoral courses. After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Michigan – Flint, she went on to earn an MBA with a focus in Accounting. Alicia was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Entrepreneur and Businesswoman. She chose to engage with her home community by starting ASAP Accounting, a firm focused on helping many with tax return preparation and remediation of delinquent taxes.
Alicia R. Pruitt was a mother of three and she was the true definition of God’s love. She was a woman of strength, resilience, and love with an outgoing nature. Alicia was always encouraging her children to reach for the stars using education and a “never give up” attitude. Despite being in a city of limited resources, she saw education as a means to rise above. As a result, all three of her children were honor students, graduated from top universities, and have seen success in their respective careers.
God called Alicia home just shy of her 50th birthday. She was a caring mother, wife, sister, and daughter and she will forever be in our hearts.