Grow Your Talent Pipeline. Strengthen Your Workforce.

RISE connects businesses with motivated high school students who are ready to learn, contribute, and grow. Together, we build a reliable, long-term workforce—right here in Caldwell and Watauga counties.

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1. Build a Reliable Talent Pipeline

Train future employees early—before they enter the job market.

2. Reduce Hiring & Turnover Costs

Evaluate students through real work experience and retain those who fit.

3. Improve Productivity With Future-Ready Skills

Students begin with foundational skills aligned to industry needs.

4. Strengthen Your Community Reputation

Families, schools, and community partners notice and appreciate employer involvement.

5. Low-Risk, High-Reward Workforce Development

Students receive coaching, mentoring, and support so they arrive ready to succeed.

6. Supported by Regional Leaders

RISE manages placement, communication, advising, and student readiness—so you can focus on your work.

Why Partner With RISE?

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What Employers Receive

  • $500 mentorship incentive for participating employers

  • Up to $1,500 in supplies reimbursements per student

  • Work-ready students with mentor support

  • Clear communication & coaching from the RISE team

  • Simple onboarding process with schools & program staff

  • Opportunities to build long-term workforce relationships

Become a Partner

How Partnering With RISE Works

Step 1 — Connect With Our Team

Tell us about your business, workforce needs, and potential student roles.

Step 2 — Create Your Opportunity

We help you define roles, expectations, skills, and pathways.

Step 3 — Get Matched With Students

We align your opportunity with motivated students from local high schools.

Step 4 — Mentor & Grow Talent

Students work, learn, and build skills—supported by weekly check-ins, stipends, and RISE coaching.

Our Partnerships

Our Industries

  • Healthcare

  • Hospitality

  • Manufacturing

  • Trades

Explore Pathways

Success Stories

“The opportunity to nurture the next generation of chefs in a real, working kitchen environment is very rewarding from an employer’s perspective.

The culinary industry is built on skill, passion, and teamwork, and apprenticeships allow us to pass on those traditions while helping aspiring chefs develop their craft from the ground up. We value the energy and creativity apprentices bring to the kitchen, as well as the chance to mentor them in essential techniques, kitchen discipline, and the fast-paced rhythm of service.

Watching an apprentice grow in confidence, from mastering foundational skills to contributing meaningfully during service, is incredibly rewarding and strengthens the future of our culinary team and industry as a whole.”
— Chef Corey Hooks, Executive Chef and Director for the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center Catering Group

Advisory Committee

Our advisory committee includes leaders across health care, manufacturing, hospitality, trades, and workforce development. Their insight guides RISE’s growth and helps ensure programs align with real industry needs.

  • Tara Brossa
    Executive Director, RISE Caldwell–Watauga
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Jason Chaffin
    Chief of Staff
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Dr. Mark Poarch
    President
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Rick Shew
    Associate Dean
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Marla Christie
    Foundation Executive Director
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Edward Terry
    Director of Grants
    Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

    Brooke Cooper
    CTE Director
    Caldwell County Schools

    Katrina McEllen
    Assistant Superintendent
    Caldwell County Schools

    Dr. Thomas Howell
    Superintendent
    Caldwell County Schools

    Leslie Farris
    Curriculum & Instruction Management Coordinator (CTE)
    Caldwell County Schools

    Dr. Leslie Alexander
    Superintendent
    Watauga County Schools

    Tierra Stark
    Director of Student Services, CTE
    Watauga County Schools

    Scott Strickler
    Principal
    Watauga High School

    Laura Carson
    Career Development Coordinator
    Watauga High School

  • David Lowry
    President & CEO
    UNC Health Caldwell

    Nathan Nipper
    President & CEO
    UNC Health Appalachian

    Alysia Price
    Chief Human Resources Officer
    UNC Health Appalachian

  • Tom Ventres
    Plant Manager
    Bemis Manufacturing

    William Howard
    Senior Vice President, Human Resources
    Bernhardt Furniture

    Courtney Wright
    Human Resources Manager
    Exela Pharma Sciences

    Jason Wingate
    Senior Vice President
    Merchants Distributors, INC (MDI)

    Shurtape
    Manufacturing Partner
    (Organization Representative)

  • Greg Norwood
    Owner
    Priority Electric and Lighting, LLC

    Josh Wilkie
    Construction Partner
    Wilkie Construction

    Bruce Baker
    Executive Director
    High Country Homebuilders Association

    Blue Ridge Energy
    Trades Partner
    (Organization Representative)

    VPC Builders
    Construction Partner
    (Organization Representative)

  • Benjamin Sullivan
    Culinary Director
    Cranford Hospitality

    Talia Freeman
    Director of Marketing
    Beech Mountain Resort

  • Ashley Bolick
    Economic Development Director
    Caldwell County Economic Development Commission

    Charity Patterson Hamber
    Director
    Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board

    Kim Case
    Regional Impact Manager
    myFutureNC

    Felicia Culbreath-Setzer
    Regional Operations Director
    NC Division of Workforce Solutions

    Joe Furman
    Economic Development Director
    Boone Area Chamber of Commerce &
    Watauga County Economic Development Commission

    Misty Bishop-Price
    Director
    High Country Workforce Development Board

Community Champions

We’re here to support you at every step. Let’s build strong talent pipelines—and stronger communities—together.

Ready to Build Your Future Workforce?

Become a Partner
Talk to the RISE Team