Rise Up For Youth

At the Wind Surge baseball game with Heroes Academy tonight to share all about our partnership! We are working together to bring mentoring to Wichita Youth!

https://youtu.be/6rHE4NNaXok

Every Child Needs A Mentor: We are partnering with Heroes Academy to make it happen. Every child needs a mentor. Rise Up For Youth has partnered with Heroes Academy to give Wichita students of all ages the opportunity for mentorship. Learn mo...

Come see Rise Up For Youth and Heroes Academy at Windsurge Stadium next Friday! Meet the Heroes, enjoy the fun, and learn about how our partnership provides Heroes to Wichita youth!

This week, we're at Fulton Law Offices, planning for another year of empowering our students 💪. These people work tirelessly to invest in the next generation! The goal for this year? Changing the lives of over 400 high school students!

🎉 Celebrate Juneteenth at Las Adelitas Café! A percentage of every purchase you make helps empower high school students through mentorship programs. 🎓❤️ Be a part of their success with each visit. 🙌

Rise Up For Youth 2023 seniors, we are so proud of you! Good luck on your next adventure, we are grateful to be part of your story 💙💛🧡

Today, our students participated in Law Day at the US Courthouse to be the jury for a (mock) murder trial. 💼💼
🔍 By participating in this hands-on activity, our students are not only learning about the legal system but also developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
👨‍⚖️👩‍⚖️ These experiences help empower our students by giving them a deeper understanding of the law and how it works. They also learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
🎓 We believe that these experiences will help our students become more confident, well-rounded individuals who are better equipped to navigate the challenges of the real world.

Be the change and make a difference in the life of a student by Adoptin-A-Senior! Help ease their transition into college, trade schools, or the workforce, and empower them to succeed with personalized items to show them they belong. Join the movement to ensure no student goes to college empty-handed. Sign up today at bit.ly/adopt-a-senior-2023.

Let's go Kylie!

Kylie is such a hardworking and kind student, we will miss her when she graduates from Rise Up For Youth, but we can't wait to see how she shapes her own future!

Wichita teen graduating from high school and college One Wichita teen is getting a step ahead of the game. Kylie Levalley is counting down the days until graduation from both high school and college.

Several years ago, Lynn Gilkey, Co-Founder of Rise Up For Youth, accompanied a first-generation college student to get her settled into her college dorm. Standing there, her student pulled out only tattered bedding and a few toiletries. Glancing to the other side of the room, Lynn noticed a personalized space with a colorful bed comforter, decorative rugs, and many personal effects.

The contrast was jarring.

She saw the shame on her student's face where there should have been the pride of accomplishment. In high school, this student had self-selected into a mentorship program, worked hard to graduate, and celebrated when she was accepted into college. Lynn sensed the apprehension as her student considered whether she truly belonged at college. At that moment, Lynn decided none of her students would go to college empty-handed.

Looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of students as they transition into college, trade schools, or the workforce? Adopt-A-Senior today! Volunteers purchase items off the student's provided list, helping to ease their transition out of high school and show them that they belong. Let's empower students to succeed and feel supported as they pursue their future endeavors, and commit to ensuring none of these students go to college empty-handed. Sign up today at bit.ly/adopt-a-senior-2023

Up and at 'em and back to it! Headed to Prairie View A&M University for (many) of our students' first HBCU visit! Check back in to see all the fun!

Our upperclassman trip to Houston has officially begun! We just rolled into our hotel, and are about to get some much needed rest. Stay tuned to see what adventures we are up to in this jam-packed weekend!

Final day of our spring break last week! Our students had a blast visiting Tanganyika Wildlife Park and "meeting" the animals. To top it off, we had amazing wings from a local food truck. Our mission is to empower youth through mentorship and opportunities, and your support can help make a difference. Help us continue empowering students with a donation to support mentorship! Donate at www.riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

Day 3 of last week's spring break activities: paintballing! Our students had a blast bonding and turning each other neon orange. Our mentorship program provides a safe place for students to explore new experiences and make lasting connections. Help us continue to empower these amazing young people by donating to our campaign this March! See more at www.riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

Fun, food, and creativity! Our students had a blast on day 2 of their spring break with a tour of WSU Tech's new culinary education facility, Niche. After that, we headed to Paint the Towne for a paint-along activity, where our students were able to unleash their creativity and express themselves through art. These experiences inspire our students to pursue their passions and create a better future for themselves. Join us in our mission to empower the next generation! Donate today at www.riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

Spring break is in full swing here at Rise Up For Youth! Yesterday, our students got a firsthand look at the world of manufacturing with a tour of Cox Machines, Inc. and then hit the lanes for some bowling fun. At Rise Up For Youth, we use a combination of career tours and engaging activities to show our students what's possible and help them reach their potential. Join us in our mission to empower students with mentorship - donate now to our campaign to support 150 students this year!

www.riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

6 days in... $8,758 down... 18 students empowered... $66,242 to go... YOU GOT THIS!

Donate at http://www.riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

Put a diploma in their hands! Rise Up For Youth's mentors have regular check-ins with students to make sure they stay on track to graduate 🎓. And this March, WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach our goal of $75,000 to empower 150 studen

T-minus 6 days and we are ready to go! 🥳

This March, Wichita youth need YOU to join in and support 150 students with a year of mentoring. That's $75,000 that will be invested into empowering the next generation to make a change for themselves and their community. How can you make it happen? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and get ready to ➡️share, donate, and show up⬅️ on March 1st!

Happy Valentines Day!

How are we going to celebrate? With a twist! Keep your eyes open this Friday to find out what we are up to.

Happy #211 day!

Did you know that Rise Up For Youth is a part of the 211 network? Check out this article to learn more about the 211 line!

211 is a Statewide Resource that Serves People at Critical Moments Heather Pierce, pictured above, helped establish the 211 Information and Referral service at United Way of the Plains in 2006. She manages the 211 specialist team and oversees the statewide network database as the 211 Coordinator for United Way of the Plains. Each of you reading this will likely com...

Thanks to all our supporters who joined us last week at Grow for our ❤️ Love Your Donor Brunch! It was great to catch up with so many people who believe in our youth's ability to succeed. We hope you had as great of a time as we did!

P.S. Thanks to Chef Jason at Rent The Chef for the 🤌 inspired 🤌 brunch charcuterie table!

"MLK day stands in the gap for the unsureness and lost hope of those who see no out of social bo***ge... I don’t want to live in a place that treats me differently or looks at me differently... has opportunities close on me...
Please show us that our hope has a right to belong. Please do not let his memory, his legacy, his mission fall short for future generations to be slowly forgotten altogether."

De'Lana, Rise Up For Youth student
exerpt from her letter to the Kansas Capitol, advocating for the observance of MLK Day

We're saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss. If you're struggling, please know you are never alone. Reach out. Call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline for help and support. We're here for you, 24/7/365.

"The party's on, the feeling's here that only comes this time of year." —Paul McCartney

Want to support more meaningful engagement opportunities for students? Check it out here: riseupforyouth.org/riseupchampions

to when our very own Dr. Shareika Fisher was a panelist at the "Know Your Worth" conference. Shout out to the women in our community who empower each other and strengthen Wichita with their wisdom and talents!

Emily Whiteside: Marketing and Development Coordinator

Thanks for the photos!

Emily:
"The most inspiring part of my job is helping students tell their stories. I am always floored by the resilience and ingenuity of our students!

​When I was younger, I had mentors that poured into me even when I was an absolute pain to be around. Their wisdom got me through high school, college, and, now, motherhood.

The most important thing I learned in high school was everybody deserves to be seen, and everybody has a story worth listening to. It's our job to keep our eyes and ears open."

Congratulations Jessica Suhr for your well-earned position at Ward Law LLC and thank you for your continued service on the Rise Up For Youth board. We truly have the dream team!

Read more about Jessica and her role in Rise Up For Youth's success on page 12 of the Wichita Bar Association's March Bar-o-Meter newsletter.

https://simplebooklet.com/march2022barometerlite?fbclid=IwAR3UIG5PDpsdjDEwAnmMZiHxHSwGvZI8g7ogeyXMjS8UrpoZZu-0D5_j6W4 =13

There's a little friendly competition in Brotherhood today as our students 💪♟️flexed their chess skills. Now, who can teach the man behind the camera to play? 🤔🤣

All jokes! Thanks to our mentors who provide great opportunities for building friendships.

Thank you to Ashley Kunes for Kayci to change her community! We love see people in the community Rising Up For Youth!

Check Kayci's story 👇
http://www.riseupforyouth.org/student-successes/kayci

Kayci Kayci Hockman is a senior at East High, in her fourth year in the Rise Up For Youth Sisterhood program. She aspires to be a Medical Doctor and has received a full scholarship to attend WSU this...

S'ambrosia, Youth Mentor and devoted details-person!

S'ambrosia:
"The most inspiring part of my job is... watching students discover and embrace how amazing they truly are.
When I was younger... I loved to express myself creatively through music, dance, drama and writing.
The most important thing I learned in high school was... every semester matters, not just your senior year."

Thanks to for the photos!

Happy ! 💁🏻‍♀️💁🏾‍♀️💁🏼‍♀️💁🏿‍♀️

Yesterday, the Mentors became the Mentees as the women here at RU4Y participated in Bizwoman Mentoring Monday, hosted by the Wichita Business Journal . Such a fun experience with incredible insights from businesswomen.

Not gonna lie, it ain't easy 😅

A great question from our Brotherhood mentor, Quayshawn. How would you describe yourself without using labels like student, parent, introvert, career, etc.?

Bonus question: Are labels a good way to describe yourself, or do they box you in? Hot-takes welcome!

McKenzie, Sisterhood Intern!
Thank you Unicorn Lane Studios Creative for the photo!

McKenzie:
"The most inspiring part of my job is… being able to get to know and connect with the youth we serve. I really adore all the students, they always keep things interesting!!

When I was younger… I was nicknamed “Dirty Bert” by my Pops, because I loved playing in the mud and dirt.

The most important thing I learned in high school was… that being the same as everyone else is boring! We were made to stand out in this world! Be who are you, authentically and unapologetically."

One of the wealthiest men 💰💰💰 in the history of Wichita is Rev. John Henry Van Leu. During his life, he owned nearly all of the property in the 500 block of North Water Street. Learn more about Van Leu, his family, and his ministry life at The Community Voice newspaper, article link below:

https://www.communityvoiceks.com/john-henry-van-leu-one-of-the-wealthiest-men-in-wichita/article_f123b866-5a67-11ea-ab4a-bf93fba9a008.html

John Henry Van Leu: One of the Wealthiest Men in Wichita By entry into the 1900s, Wichita was a booming city and Wichita’s African-American population was no different. One of the city’s leading Black citizens was John Henry Van Leu. A

Smiling faces at our Valentine's party today! Our students learned their love language and how to use it as a tool for bettering their relationships.

Have you used the 5 love languages in your relationships?