USA
The Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands, in partnership with RiseBack, is proud to introduce the Affordable Higher Education Initiative, a groundbreaking program designed to eliminate financial obstacles and empower individuals to pursue their educational and career goals. This initiative features the World’s 1st “Study Now, Pay Later” Innovative Payment Model, which includes zero upfront costs, repayment after employment, flexible payment plans, and Rotary-funded scholarships. By aligning education with career success, this model ensures accessibility and opportunity for all. The initiative was officially unveiled at the “Start Here, Go Anywhere” event on March 18, 2025, held at the Arlington Life Center in Arlington, Texas.
The event began with an invocation by Rod Floyd, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Jim Ross.
Becky Gerro, the emcee of the event, warmly welcomed attendees and provided an overview of the initiative. She highlighted the program’s mission to make higher education and career-oriented IT certifications accessible and affordable for all. Becky also shed light on the growing $1.7 trillion student debt crisis in the U.S., which has left millions financially burdened and demotivated to pursue higher education. She then introduced Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, serving as both the President of the Arlington Highlands Rotary Club and the Team Lead for RiseBack USA.
Dr Parvez presented an overview of the Rotary Club and RiseBack’s initiative. She underscored the critical role of empowering fellow Americans through accessible and affordable higher education, as well as career-oriented IT certifications. Dr. Parvez highlighted the initiative’s profound impact on the economy, tech and startup ecosystems, and society at large, while addressing the pressing shortage of skilled tech professionals in the industry.
Indian American Dr. Tausif Malik, Founder of RiseBack, emphasized the importance of making quality education accessible and introduced the international guests. He said that “Education should be a right, not a privilege. Through this initiative, we are breaking financial barriers and providing a clear pathway to success.
Chief Guest for the event Arlington Mayor Jim Ross spoke about the developments under his leadership and how “Start Here, Go Anywhere” — World’s First “Study Now, Pay Later” Model for Affordable Higher Education Initiative aligns with the developments.
“Chief Guest for the event Arlington Mayor Jim Ross spoke about the developments under his leadership and how “Start Here, Go Anywhere” — World’s First “Study Now, Pay Later” Model for Affordable Higher Education Initiative aligns with the developments”.
He said that “This is what Arlington does best, we take care of our best assets which are our people. We brought eight major corporations to Arlington. That means the headquarters has come here, and we have great stuff going on, which is why we need to have quality-educated employees here. So, this is a perfect fit for what’s going on in Arlington and the growth of this community. It demonstrates that we are the American dream city with the help of folks like the Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands & RiseBack.
You can make your dreams come true here. I’m so excited for you all and I can’t wait to see the benefits that this will have for people for years to come.
After the Mayor speech, Guest of Honor Andy Eads, Rotary District Governor was invited to speak. He said that “We wish all the best and God’s blessings as you pursue your career. Again, I want to just echo the fact that this is sustainable.
In Rotary, there’s things we do are just different, when compared with the other non-profits do, Rotary really has an emphasis in making things sustainable. And I love the component that this is that not only are you getting a hand up, but you’re also paying it back, but you’re really not paying it back, you’re paying it forward for the next person.
“Someone’s back is someone else is forward Amen and so that is that is what I was sitting there just thinking about that I thought – wow that is what an innovative concept, that you’re being a blessing to other people that’s really what you are and so again kudos !. I have been all over this district this whole last year and seen all kinds of projects that are very impressive, and this one is just right up there”
Stephanie R. Melchert, President & CEO of Arlington Life Shelter, stated:
“At Arlington Life Shelter, we are dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency. This partnership provides individuals with opportunities to earn higher education credentials, which can lead to stable employment and financial independence.”
Dana Cox, CEO of Metroplex Women’s Clinic, emphasized women’s empowerment:
“Women facing unplanned pregnancies often struggle with financial and career uncertainty. By providing access to affordable education, we are giving them the tools to build a stable and independent future.”
David Bryant, CEO of Cleod9 Voice, sent a message emphasizing their commitment:
“Education and technology go hand in hand. By providing essential tools such as laptops, routers and data for virtual learning, we aim to bridge the digital divide and ensure students have the resources they need to succeed in today’s interconnected world.”
Rotary – RiseBack core team members made presentations about this initiative.
Rod Floyd – “Why This Matters”
Rod Floyd emphasized the initiative’s economic, social, and entrepreneurial impact. By attracting businesses, creating high-paying jobs, and fostering innovation, the program positions Arlington, Texas, USA as a tech & startup hub. It also reduces poverty and empowers underserved communities through accessible IT education.
Becky Gerro – “Innovative Payment Model”
Becky Gerro highlighted the student-friendly repayment model of the initiative, featuring zero upfront costs, repayment after employment, flexible plans, and Rotary-funded scholarships. This approach removes financial barriers, aligning education with career success.
Sandra Green – “How You Can Support”
Sandra Green encouraged community involvement through partnerships, scholarships, advocacy, volunteering, and donations. These efforts amplify the program’s reach, ensuring more individuals gain access to affordable education and career opportunities.
International Guest of Honors supported this initiative and shared their views.
Imran Khan, Award-Winning Fulbright Scholar and App Guru from India, said: “I think it’s one of the best educational initiatives I have ever seen. The RiseBack Affordable Education Program is not just an initiative; it is a movement that ensures no one is left behind due to financial constraints. The innovative repayment model, affordable university degrees, and free IT courses for underserved communities will provide a steppingstone for countless students to pursue their dreams.”
HE Abdul Wahid Maktub, Former Ambassador of Indonesia to Qatar and advisor to President University, Jakarta, Indonesia, added: “I hope this initiative will be welcomed not only in America but also in Indonesia. It inspires many people because, with disruptive technology, it enables everyone to have better and easier access to education. Higher education will significantly contribute to our efforts to create stability in all aspects of life.”
The event concluded with a cake-cutting & T-shirt signing ceremony, vote of thanks, and networking.
Join the Movement
The initiative has drawn education advocates, policymakers, business leaders, and media members. Together, RiseBack, Rotary, Arlington Life Shelter, and Metroplex Women’s Clinic are creating a future where financial hardship is no longer a barrier to education and success.
For press inquiries & interviews contact:
- Dr. Tausif Malik – Founder, RiseBack | Email: tausif@riseback.org | Phone/WhatsApp: +1 773-536-9786 (USA)/ Phone/WhatsApp: +917972802372 (India)
- Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP – President, Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands | Email: shabana@arlingtonintegrative.com | Phone/WhatsApp: +1 682-256-2749
About the Organizations
· RiseBack: Inspired by the Native American adage “Rise back like a Phoenix”, RiseBack is revolutionizing education as the world’s first affordable EdTech platform, offering globally recognized online university degrees from Indian universities and low-cost IT certifications. Website: [www.riseback.org]
· Rotary Club of Arlington Highlands: Rebuilt in 2020, the club is dedicated to serving the community through impactful initiatives in education, health, and economic development. Website: [highlandsrotary.com]
· Arlington Life Shelter: Empowering North Texans impacted by homelessness through shelter, employment programs, and transitional services. Website: [www.arlingtonlifeshelter.org]
· Metroplex Women’s Clinic (MWC): Providing free and confidential support to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Website: [www.metroplexwomensclinic.com]
Together, we are building a brighter future—one student at a time
