A Community Investment in Equitable Pathways
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 Black and underrepresented students transform themselves from youth with potential into competitive and empowered talent entering the workforce.
RISE for Youth aims to create new pathways for success by providing students with critical educational and leadership skills, training, and long-term mentoring for successful careers in health care, science, and beyond.
RISE for Youth 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 and the surrounding community. Through discussions and exploration of leadership and professional development topics, students will gain insightful knowledge, hands-on experience, and professional skills.
Program leadership
Anjali Bhagra, MD, FACP
Professor of Medicine and Medical Director, Office of Equity, Inclusion and Diversity at Mayo Clinic
Walé Elegbede, MBA, PMP
President, Rochester Branch NAACP
Barbara Jordan, MA
Administrator, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Contact Us
Email:RISEforYouth@mayo.edu
Rawhi Said, MBA
Program Director
Office for Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Why RISE for Youth is needed?
According to the State of Minnesota Employment and Economic Development report, there is a huge employment gap between white college graduates and minorities such as Black/African Americans, Hispanic, and American Indians. This lack of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and employment harms us all – depriving organizations and communities of the unrealized potential of future leaders and changemakers.
RISE for Youth seeks to bridge that gap, empowering generations of competitive talent whose diversity of ideas and perspectives will make our businesses, communities, and futures more successful.
“As participants complete the program, they, in turn, will become the leaders and changemakers who will work to further reduce racial disparities and break down barriers for those that follow, creating a cycle of progress with the ultimate goal of creating equal, and sustainable, opportunities for all. And as positive change takes shape, Mayo Clinic and the Rochester branch of the NAACP hope to expand the program nationally.”
— Mayo Clinic and NAACP