Where Mental Wellness Meets Mentorship

Rise Above Summer Session helps Lancaster County high school students build skills for mental wellness, resilience, leadership, and self-discovery in a supportive and engaging environment.

*Student applications are currently closed for this session. We will see those registered on Monday, June 8th.

Rise Above Youth Summit | Summer Session

Rise Above Program Overview
Summer Session: June 8-26, 2026 | Monday- Thursday | 11:00am-3:00pm | (Lunch Provided)

What if summer was more than a break from school? What if it was an opportunity to discover who you are, connect with people who care, and build skills that last a lifetime?

Rise Above is a youth mental wellness and mentorship program where students explore identity, resilience, leadership, and belonging through creative workshops, meaningful conversations, and hands-on experiences. Along the way, participants connect with peers, mentors, artists, mental health professionals, and community leaders who help them discover their strengths and find their voice.

Students gain practical tools for managing stress, building healthy coping skills, supporting their well-being, and creating positive change in their schools and communities.

Most importantly, Rise Above is a safe space where students are heard, valued, and encouraged to be themselves.

Students who complete the full session receive a $500 stipend, Rise Above apparel, swag, and ongoing opportunities to stay involved as leaders, advocates, and mentors.

Discover Yourself. Connect with Others. Build Your Future.

Safe Space Facilitators

At Rise Above, every conversation starts with connection.

More than presenters, our facilitators serve as trusted mentors who encourage students to ask questions, share their experiences, and recognize that they are not alone on their journey.

Each facilitator brings a unique perspective, lived experience, and area of expertise to Rise Above, helping students connect with new ideas, opportunities, and pathways for growth.

Click on each facilitator below to learn more about their background, workshop, and the experiences they bring to the Rise Above community.

Community Partnerships Include:

Lancaster County Community Foundation, Next Generation Grant
City Limits Foundation Grant
Welcoming Connections, Skylar Smith, LPC
YWCA Lancaster, Center for Racial and Gender Equity, Justice Now
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South-Central PA
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Community Wellness- Teen Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Joining Forces for Children
Community Services Group- Teen Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid

Liz Graham -Rise Above Curriculum Developer

514 East Recording

Benchmark Program

You’re invited to a Rise Above feedback session!

January 29th

We’re gathering students, facilitators, and artists to share reflections and help shape what’s next. Your voice matters—join us!

Join us in supporting youth mental wellness this ExtraGive!

November 21st

Make your impact by donating at the link below on November 21st, and come celebrate with us at the Greatest Giving Gig at Tellus360 from 5–8 PM. Together, we can elevate mental health for Lancaster’s youth!