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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?

Become a Partner

What Employers Receive

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  • $250 mentorship incentive for internship mentors

  • $1,500 mentorship incentive for Pre- Apprenticeship businesses to help with onboarding costs

  • Work-ready students with mentor support

  • Clear communication & coaching from the RISE team

  • Simple onboarding process with schools & program staff

  • Simplified best practices to support Apprenticeship and Youth Employment requirements when onboarding team members aged 16–18.

  • Opportunities to build long-term workforce relationships

Become a Partner

How Partnering With RISE Works

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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

Community Champions

Success Stories

A stylized, colorful illustration of a tree with ornate details and bold outlines. The image includes text that reads 'J.E. Broyhill Catering The Center of it all!)
“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

Ready to Build Your Future Workforce?

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

Become a Partner
Talk to the RISE Team