Reaching Independence through Sustainable Employment (RISE)

The RISE Program serves youth who are at-risk and struggling to succeed in an educational and/or work environment due to various factors which may include: history of poor choices, lack of social supports/connections, limited English, pregnant/parenting youth, homelessness, lack of basic skills, poor work history, poor self-esteem, and poor study habits.

The program is designed to foster familiarity with the workforce culture. Youth are exposed to “real-life” scenarios through workshops and one-on-one sessions. Employment Specialists encourage the development of accountability, responsibility and job/career readiness through the following:

• Educational and vocational self-assessments

• Job search assistance

• Occupational assistance pertaining to the identification of vocational interests, and gaining job experience with support

• Educational assistance such as exposure to postsecondary educational opportunities, planning for educational and career development, navigating financial aid/scholarship resources

• Workshops/classes to prepare participants for job sustainability and educational success. These may include topics such as: resume writing, interviewing skills, communication skills, maintaining a job, workplace safety, sexual harassment, study skills, knowing your learning style, etc.

• Addressing barriers/needs such as transportation, work attire, tutoring

• Job placement

• Referrals to community resources

To download the RISE brochure, click here.

For additional information about RISE, contact

In Santa Clara County: Lydia Cabrera at 408-971-9822

In Moneterey County: Rhonda Staton at 831-757-4525