R.I.S.E Stands for
Our goal is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and support they need to overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and build successful futures.
R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program
Supporting Students Beyond the Scholarship
Receiving a scholarship is an important achievement, but college and vocational training can still bring new challenges. Students may need help adjusting to campus life, communicating with professors, managing responsibilities, building confidence, and preparing for life after graduation.
The Howard and Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program provides continued guidance, encouragement, and connection for HEC scholarship recipients throughout their postsecondary journey.
Our goal is to help students strengthen the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to continue moving forward.
More Than a Mentoring Program
R.I.S.E. is designed to remind students that they do not have to navigate college or vocational training alone.
Each participant is connected with a caring mentor who offers encouragement, accountability, and practical guidance. Mentors are not expected to have all the answers. Their role is to listen, support, encourage problem-solving, and help students identify resources when challenges arise.
Through mentoring relationships, workshops, and regular communication, students have opportunities to grow personally, academically, and professionally.
What R.I.S.E. Provides
Participants may receive support through:
- Regular mentor and mentee check-ins
- Quarterly virtual workshops
- College and career readiness guidance
- Support with organization, communication, and goal setting
- Encouragement with self-advocacy and independence
- Opportunities to connect with other HEC scholars
- Practical information for navigating college and young adulthood
- An annual book and school-supply stipend for eligible active participants
What Students Can Gain
Through active participation in R.I.S.E., students may strengthen their ability to:
- Set meaningful academic and personal goals
- Communicate their needs clearly
- Advocate for themselves
- Develop confidence and independence
- Manage responsibilities and deadlines
- Build healthy professional relationships
- Ask for help when needed
- Prepare for employment and life after graduation
Every student’s journey is different. R.I.S.E. meets students where they are and encourages steady progress toward where they want to go.
The Mentor-Mentee Relationship
A strong mentoring relationship is built on trust, respect, consistency, and communication.
Mentors are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries, protect student confidentiality, provide encouragement, and communicate regularly with their mentees.
Mentees are expected to remain engaged, respond to their mentors, participate in scheduled activities, and communicate honestly about their goals and challenges.
The relationship works best when both the mentor and mentee are committed to showing up, listening, and growing together.
Participant Expectations
R.I.S.E. participants are expected to:
- Attend the virtual Meet and Greet
- Participate in quarterly workshops
- Communicate regularly with their assigned mentor
- Notify their mentor when they cannot attend a scheduled activity
- Complete requested program forms and feedback surveys
- Demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior
- Take an active role in their own growth and development
Active participation may also be required to remain eligible for program stipends and other student-support opportunities.
Become a R.I.S.E. Mentor
A mentor can make a lasting difference simply by being consistent, encouraging, and willing to listen.
R.I.S.E. mentors support students as they navigate college, vocational training, career planning, and early adulthood. Mentors may help students think through challenges, celebrate accomplishments, identify resources, and stay focused on their goals.
Ideal mentors are:
- Dependable
- Patient
- Respectful
- Encouraging
- Good listeners
- Committed to appropriate boundaries
- Willing to communicate regularly
- Interested in supporting young adults with disabilities
Mentors receive program expectations, guidance, and training before being matched with a student.
Who Can Participate?
The R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program serves eligible HEC Foundation scholarship recipients who are enrolled in college or vocational training.
Participation is intended for students who are willing to communicate with a mentor, attend program activities, and take an active role in their educational and personal development.
Why R.I.S.E. Matters
Students with disabilities may face barriers that extend beyond tuition and textbooks. They may need help understanding accommodations, adjusting to new expectations, managing stress, building independence, or finding the confidence to speak up for themselves.
R.I.S.E. provides a supportive connection during those important years.
We believe success is not only about entering college.
It is about having the support to continue, grow, and move toward graduation, employment, and independence.
Help a Student R.I.S.E.
Your support helps the Howard and Elizabeth Caldwell Foundation provide mentoring, workshops, educational resources, student stipends, and continued encouragement for students with disabilities.
Together, we can help students become more resilient, act with integrity, pursue success, and continue their education with confidence.
In Her Own Words
“Winning this scholarship helped relieve my financial stress. Being part of the mentor group and having someone check on me has been a great help. I feel so happy and grateful to everyone involved. Thank you for seeing my potential.”
— Hope S.
HEC 2020 Scholarship Recipient and First R.I.S.E. Mentee
