Rising leaders
Three-year incubator program
Year 1 - Identity Development
During the first year of Rising Leaders, ambassadors are introduced to our leadership framework through weekly themes, including the development of self, law and community safety, business, and outdoor leadership.
A new Cohort every summer
Each summer, we onboard a new cohort of community ambassadors into our leadership pipeline. Each cohort consists of up to 15 young men who are eligible to join the summer after their freshman year of high school. Each cohort is unique and built to incorporate our four key demographics: African American, African immigrant, high barrier, and high socio-economic background young men.
Boyz in the Woodz Camping Trip
Redefining Justice Week
Black Women’s Luncheon
An annual celebration of Black women. Hosted each summer during our Rising Leader, Black women from across the region are invited to a special celebration and honored. Each luncheon is facilitated by a woman of honor. During the luncheon, attendees talk with program participants to share their experience, leadership, and expertise. The goal is for ambassadors to better learn about how they can support and engage with Black women.
Year 2 - Workforce Development
In Rising Leaders Year Two, Ambassadors hone in on workforce development through placement in a professional internship at a premier business in Portland.
Professional Internship
In year two of Rising Leaders, ambassadors are placed in a professional internship. Each seven-week internship is geared towards the interests and future career aspirations of our ambassadors. Internships span a variety of career fields with a focus on professional career fields, including commercial real estate, law, business analytics, sports marketing, and more.
Year 3 - Global Citizenship
The capstone, the third and final year of the Rising Leaders program, focuses on global citizenship. Ambassadors travel to Ghana, West Africa, for a two-week international leadership immersion experience, the Black Star Homecoming Expedition.
Black Star Homecoming Expedition
In the capstone third year of Rising Leaders, ambassadors travel to Ghana, in West Africa, for a two-week immersive leadership expedition. This is our Black Star Homecoming Expedition, an experience earned through years of commitment to leadership within and external to our programs. Ambassadors must complete the first two years of Rising Leaders to qualify for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Rising Leaders Showcase
Each Rising Leaders summer ends with our community showcase, an annual gathering of family, friends, and community celebrating a summer of leadership and excellence. Our community hosts an interactive exhibition and presents on stage, giving our leaders an opportunity to sharpen their communication and public speaking skills.
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