Summer R.I.S.E. 2018 Host Recruiting is Underway

In its first year, Summer R.I.S.E. served 362 students with at least one student from every high school in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). We partnered with 145 business, non-profit, school district, and government agencies that hosted high school juniors and seniors by providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about potential career paths in the County.

In 2018, the goal is to double the numbers of students we connect to careers! We are working to recruit more host organizations to join this mission to expand our talent pool and ready our future workforce.

We are excited that the success of inaugural program can serve as incentive in recruiting new hosts. We are proud to report that many of our 2017 hosts were not only impressed with the quality of the program, but also with the enthusiasm and contributions our students offered during the 3-week program.

Testimonials:

Lt. Irvin Smith of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department was very impressed with the students he welcomed during Summer R.I.S.E., noting that they completed some of the same training as his rookie fire fighters. He wants to offer more opportunities to a larger number of RISErs in 2018. Because students perform the duties of firefighters, Smith said, they must demonstrate or quickly learn to be punctual, reliable, open-minded, have a “team first” attitude, and an interest in helping people –traits that would serve students well in whatever career they pursue. The department was happy to find this quality of character in their RISErs. Smith also noted the diversity of the Summer RISE group and said it is important that firetrucks’ crews should reflect the communities they serve.

In a July 27 Washington Post article, just as the 2017 R.I.S.E. program concluded, School Board Member Jeanette Dixon said, “It’s really cutting edge, and I think the exact type of program we need in Montgomery County, it gives students a sense of what the possibilities are in terms of future employment, and it gives businesses a sense of who our students are, what the possibilities are for hiring.”

Our extensive surveys showed that both hosts and students benefit from this experience. Students gain real world exposure to a workplace, gain self-confidence, are empowered to take initiative, and have experiences that help them identify satisfying career pathways and educational options available in Montgomery County. They gain an understanding of employer expectations, learn workplace norms, and develop relationships with potential employers.

Summer R.I.S.E. hosts gain access to the thoughts, ideas, and interests of our future workforce and discover how this talent pool will address their specific future employment needs. It’s also provides occasions for everyone involved to network with business hosts, county officials, school district leaders, and the community at large. We are pleased to offer this opportunity to even more hosts and students to participate in 2018.

Host in 2018!
Sign up at Summer-Rise.com to host students from July 9-27, 2018.