A Community Investment in Youth Leadership Development
Rochester, Minnesota, is a growing community in need of skilled workers. RISE for Youth is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Mayo Clinic and the Rochester branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) designed to help students transform themselves from youth with potential into competitive and empowered talent entering the workforce.
RISE for Youth strives to forge new avenues for achievement by equipping students with essential educational and leadership skills, comprehensive training, and ongoing mentorship for thriving careers in healthcare, science, and other fields. RISE for Youth endeavors to bridge the gap, fostering generations of capable talent whose diverse ideas and perspectives will enhance our businesses, communities, and future successes.
RISE for Youth is is a four-week summer program that engages high school juniors, seniors, and college undergraduates in a program designed to enhance opportunities for post-secondary education and entry into the workforce. Participants will examine careers and will be partnered with mentors from Mayo Clinic. Through discussions and exploration of leadership and professional development topics, students will gain insightful knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills.
RISE for Youth Co-Founder
Walé Elegbede, MBA, PMP
President, Rochester Branch NAACP
GOAL of RISE for Youth Program
The overall goals of the RISE for Youth program are to increase academic skills, provide a multifaceted program of enrichment experiences and opportunities for exploration of health care and the health professions, and introduce participants to the rigor of academic programs in health professions. It will help build a critical pathway of leaders and changemakers from a broad range of backgrounds who will improve the practice of medicine, the potential of science, businesses, and the success of any organization in the community fortunate enough to be their post-graduate destination.
