Reimagining “Rise Above”: A Day of Creativity, Collaboration, and Purpose
On Saturday, March 7th, something powerful happened at PCA&D. What started as a rebranding exercise for the Rise Above program quickly evolved into a full-day collaboration fueled by creativity, student leadership, and a shared commitment to mental wellness in schools.
As the Rise Above program continues to grow—expanding into in-school offerings across Lancaster County high schools beginning in Fall 2026—it became clear that the name and identity needed to evolve alongside it. To do that, we turned to the very voices who understand the importance of this work best: students.
A Day Built for Ideas
During DesignAThon, graphic design students from PCA&D dedicated their entire Saturday to rethinking what Rise Above could become. The room was filled with energy from the start—sketchbooks open, whiteboards covered in words, and conversations bouncing between purpose, identity, and impact.
Students worked through:
- Naming concepts that better reflect empowerment, growth, and student ownership
- Visual identity exploration, including logos, typography, and color direction
- Messaging that resonates with today’s high school students
- Ways to differentiate the program from other similarly named initiatives
What stood out most wasn’t just the creativity—it was the intention. Every idea was rooted in making the program feel more authentic, more relatable, and more student-driven.
This wasn’t design for design’s sake. Students understood that this program is about more than a name—it’s about creating a space where high school students can lead, connect, and grow.
Through collaborative critiques and rapid ideation, participants explored how a brand can:
- Build trust with students
- Encourage participation and ownership
- Reflect mental wellness without stigma
- Feel modern, inclusive, and empowering
By the end of the day, teams presented thoughtful directions that pushed the program beyond its current identity and into something more dynamic and future-focused.
What’s Next
The ideas generated during DesignAThon are now helping shape the next chapter of the program. As we finalize curriculum and prepare to launch three in-school programs in Lancaster high schools in Fall 2026, this new brand identity will play a key role in how students experience and connect with it.
Even more exciting—these programs will be student-led, with schools providing support and structure while participants take ownership of the experience. That same spirit of ownership was present throughout the DesignAThon and continues to guide what comes next.
More Than a Rebrand
This project is about more than logos or names. It’s about building something with students, not just for them.
The collaboration with PCA&D students reminded us that when young people are given the opportunity to lead creatively and think critically about real-world challenges, the results are not only innovative—they’re meaningful.
We’re excited to carry this momentum forward as we bring the next version of Rise Above to life. Thank you for your collaboration PCA&D Students and DesignAThon.
