Rise Above is a youth mental wellness and mentorship program that empowers Lancaster County students to explore identity, build resilience, and advocate for themselves and others.
It’s a growing movement to strengthen youth mental wellness, reduce stigma, and ensure every young person has access to connection, mentorship, and hope.
Rise Above Program Overview
Rise Above is a youth mental wellness program that creates a safe, supportive space for students to reflect, learn, ask questions, and connect with others who care about mental health—starting with themselves and extending into their community and future.
Through guided workshops and conversations, students explore:
Students in Rise Above gain:
• A safe space to talk and be heard
• Tools to manage stress and build resilience
• Opportunities to connect with mentors and guest speakers
• Leadership and volunteer experiences
• Pathways to summer programs, certifications, and future opportunities
Rise Above empowers students to grow, connect, and take an active role in shaping their mental wellness and supporting others.
Students, do you want to be part of the Rise Above program for Summer 2025? Registration is now OPEN! We will review interviews through May and interviews will be scheduled once registration closes.
Meet Our Safe Space Facilitators
Rise Above brings together a dynamic group of mental health professionals and artists who lead interactive, student-centered workshops designed to support mental wellness through creativity, reflection, and connection.
This session, facilitators will guide students through topics such as:
• When Silence Is Spoken Through Music
• Listening Inward: Sound as a Tool for Self-Regulation
• Create a Map of Belonging
• Healing Through Empowerment
• Letting the Cap Off the Bottle
• Play with Mini Collage
Each workshop is aligned with the Rise Above curriculum, focusing on:
• Identity & Self-Awareness – building resilience and understanding self
• Relationships & Community – strengthening connection and belonging
• Advocacy & Leadership – using your voice to create change
• Future Pathways – exploring careers, service, and next steps
Facilitators lead 45-minute interactive sessions that create safe, supportive spaces where students can express themselves, build skills, and engage in meaningful conversations around mental health.
Mental Health Professionals: Are you passionate about guiding young people in understanding mental wellness? Facilitate discussions to help students answer key mental health questions and explore new tools for resilience.
Past Mental Health Topics have included:
Artists: Do you love helping teens express themselves through art? Lead creative workshops where students can engage in self-expression and emotional exploration through various artistic mediums.
Past Artistic Workshops have included:
Thank you to our supporting Community of Artists who applied to our summer session, we cannot wait to see your presentations!
T-Shirts were printed in collaboration with the Benchmark Program Apparel Team.
Rise Above: Songs for the Journey
This playlist was curated by students as a reflection of their mental health journeys. Each track holds personal meaning—whether as a mirror of their emotions, an escape from heavy thoughts, or a memory tied to something significant. Music, as a universal language, helps express what words often can’t.
Let these songs inspire your own path, offering comfort, connection, and strength. Tune in to the voices of youth from our Rise Above Youth Summit sessions—and join the movement toward healing and hope.
Liz Graham -Rise Above Curriculum Developer
514 East Recording
We’re gathering students, facilitators, and artists to share reflections and help shape what’s next. Your voice matters—join us!
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!
