Join Us in Breaking the Stigma

The Rise Above Youth Summit for high school students, explores different topics of mental wellness while connecting them to local mental health professionals and artists in Lancaster County.

Rise Above Youth Summit

Program Overview

The Rise Above Youth Summit supports high school students in Lancaster County by offering a unique opportunity to learn about mental wellness, connect with mental health professionals, and work with local artists serving as Safe Space Facilitators.

Students in this summer program will:

  • Earn a Teen Mental Health First Aid Certificate
  • Complete the Racial Equity Institute
  • Receive a t-shirt from The Hood Hippie Love Yourself
  • Receive an equity scholarship of $500 for their dedication to mental health advocacy
  • Present their knowledge to friends and families
  • Gain support to start mental wellness clubs in their schools or train as youth mentors

Student Opportunities

Students, do you want to be part of the Rise Above program for Summer 2025? Sign up, and we’ll notify you when registration opens!

  • Gain knowledge and earn credentials in mental wellness
  • Connect with other students and leaders in the field
  • Develop leadership skills for mental health advocacy in schools

Safe Space Facilitators

Want to share your expertise in mental health or art with local high school students, and inspire Lancaster’s next generation? As a Safe Space Facilitator, you’ll lead engaging discussions on various mental wellness topics, helping students explore their identity and place in the community.

Requirements for Safe Space Facilitators:

  • Current background checks and clearances are required
  • On-site staff support provided
  • Access to Trauma-Informed Care, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Child Abuse Prevention training

 

Topics explored include:

  • Teen Mental Health First Aid
  • Self-Advocacy and Wellness
  • Understanding Pronouns and Identity
  • Safe Dating and Healthy Relationships

Mental Health Professionals

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: 

  • Teen Mental Health First Aid 
  • Understanding Self Advocacy 
  • Mental Health 101 
  • Resilience Tools for Wellness 
  • Success vs. Failure 
  • Understanding addiction, recovery, and prevention 
  • Safe Dating for Teens 
  • Identity and Community Building 
  • Understanding Pronouns 
  • Racial Healing  

Application Requirements

  • Short Bio
  • Professional Headshot
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • List of anticipated materials needed for workshop 
  • Handouts and Printouts

Artists

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: 

  • Self-Reflection  
  • Believe in Your Power 
  • Poetic Probability 
  • Affirming Poetry 
  • Poetic Free Writing 
  • Plants and Personal Growth 
  • Music Production 
  • Story Illustration 
  • Graffiti Art 
  • Mixed Media and Community Building 
  • Building Your Playlist- coping with emotions through music 
  • Creative Writing and Journaling 
  • Self-Love and Self-Expression  

Application Requirements

  • Short Bio
  • Professional Headshot
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certification
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • List of anticipated materials needed for workshop 
  • Handouts and Printouts

Community Partnerships Include:

  • YWCA Lancaster, Center for Racial & Gender Equity and Racial Equity Institute, Black Artist Waystation 
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Area 
  • The Hood Hippie Love Yourself 
  • Church World Service (CWS) Lancaster, Youth Mentoring Program 
  • Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Community Wellness – Teen Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Joining Forces 
  • Community Services Group (CSG), Youth Mental Health First Aid, Teen Mental Health First Aid 
  • Samaritan Center 
  • Community Action Partnership, Domestic Violence Services 
  • RASE Project  
  • Ripple Creators Program 
  • WE& Company 
  • Pennsylvania College of Art & Design 
  • Millersville University School of Social Work, Ware Center, M-Uth Program 
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