Connection Creates Change. Mentorship Creates Hope.

Rise Above is a growing movement to create safe spaces where young people can build meaningful connections, develop resilience, and discover their strengths through mentorship, mental wellness education, and creative expression.

Rise Above Summer Session

Discover Yourself. Connect with Others. Build Your Future.

Rise Above Summer Session is an immersive youth mental wellness and mentorship experience for Lancaster County high school students. Through creative workshops, guided conversations, and hands-on activities, students explore identity, emotional wellness, resilience, leadership, and advocacy while building meaningful connections with peers, mentors, artists, and mental health professionals.

Students Gain:

  • Mental wellness and coping skills
  • Leadership and advocacy experiences
  • Connections with mentors and guest speakers
  • Future pathways, certifications, and volunteer opportunities
  • A $500 stipend and Rise Above apparel upon completion

Rise Above School Program

Supporting Student Wellness. Strengthening School Communities.

The Rise Above School Program brings mental wellness education, mentorship, and leadership development directly into Lancaster County schools. Through interactive workshops and creative experiences, students develop resilience, strengthen relationships, and learn how to support themselves and others.

Students Explore:

  • Identity & Self-Care
  • Mental Health Foundations
  • Community & Belonging
  • Leadership, Advocacy & Future Pathways

Led by trained Safe Space Facilitators, the program helps create a culture of connection, belonging, and support within school communities.

Rise Above Young Adult Program

Discover Who You Are. Step Into What’s Next.

Designed for young adults ages 18–26, Rise Above provides a supportive space to navigate life’s transitions while building confidence, community, and purpose. Participants explore mental wellness, identity, relationships, leadership, career pathways, and future goals through discussion, mentorship, and personal growth experiences.

Participants Gain:

  • Tools for resilience and self-care
  • Connections with mentors and peers
  • Leadership and advocacy opportunities
  • Career exploration and community engagement
  • A stronger sense of purpose and belonging

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

 

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!