The Resiliency In Spite of Situation or Experience (R.I.S.E.) Enrichment Program is a culturally responsive, healing-centered bullying and violence prevention and youth-development initiative designed for school-aged youth ages 12–18. The program equips Black and Brown youth—and all young people impacted by trauma, systemic inequities, and high-adversity environments—with the tools, mentorship, and emotional support needed to rise above harmful experiences, including bullying.

Program Purpose

R.I.S.E. strengthens protective factors, builds resilience, and promotes positive identity formation through mentorship, skill-building, and wellness-based engagement. The program aims to reduce bullying by addressing both the behavior itself and the underlying trauma that drives or results from it.

Mission

To guide, educate, and empower Black and Brown youth—and those most impacted by inequitable systems—by connecting them to caring mentors, skill-building opportunities, and culturally responsive supports that strengthen their confidence, emotional well-being, and ability to live in their greatness.

Vision

Young people grow into healthy, empowered, and self-determined versions of themselves—leaders, innovators, creators, and problem-solvers—who use their gifts and skills to address societal challenges, uplift their communities, and walk boldly in their purpose.

Program Focus Areas

• Bullying Prevention & Intervention: Understanding the roots of bullying, trauma-informed responses, and safe peer-intervention skills.
• Healing-Centered Mentoring: Connecting youth with culturally aligned mentors who model resilience, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
• Resilience & Coping Skills: Teaching emotional regulation, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and healthy communication.
• Identity & Strength-Based Development: Helping youth build confidence, cultural pride, and personal empowerment.
• Safe Spaces: Creating environments where youth feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate school pressures, community challenges, and peer conflicts.

Target Population

• Students ages 12–18, including:
  Youth experiencing bullying or peer conflict
  Youth who have witnessed or engaged in bullying
  Youth impacted by trauma, discrimination, or social isolation
  Youth of color disproportionately impacted by systemic and school-based inequities

Program Outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop stronger emotional resilience and self-advocacy skills
• Learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying
• Increase their confidence and sense of belonging
• Strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities
• Build supportive peer relationships and mentor connections
• Improve school engagement and social-emotional well-being