Join Us in Breaking the Stigma

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.

*High School Students must live in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

Rise Above Youth Summit

***Parental Consent is required

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:

  • Identity & Self-Care – understanding who you are, how you cope, and building resilience
  • Mental Health Foundations – what mental health is, how it shows up, and how to recognize challenges
  • Community & Belonging – strengthening relationships, empathy, and creating inclusive spaces
  • Looking Ahead – exploring mental health careers, leadership, and advocacy opportunities

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

*A stipend of $500 is given when students complete the full session.

Rise Above empowers students to grow, connect, and take an active role in shaping their mental wellness and supporting others.

Safe Space Facilitators

  • Apply to be a Safe Space Facilitator

    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.

    Last session included 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.

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!