rise academy
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

The Rise Academy Mentorship Program broadens access, elevates visibility, and supports emerging leaders in advancing to senior roles.

PAVING THE WAY FOR LEADERS

Rise Academy is an award-winning program expanding access and opportunity for emerging leaders who have historically been overlooked. We are advancing equity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector by championing leadership that reflects and responds to the communities it serves.  

Grounded in Youth INC's holistic approach to change management, Rise Academy connects leaders with a dedicated network of executive mentors and coaches, providing the support and guidance needed to accelerate their professional growth.
EXPLORE MENTORSHIP
Rise Academy for Leaders of Color 2022 Cohort

The leaders of rise academy

I am a better me because of Rise Academy. I feel more accomplished and closer to my goals and dreams and if I feel like that then I know others will feel the same.

Dunasha Payne
Drama Club, Rise Academy Leader 2022 Cohort

Rise Academy leaders are guided to clarify and sharpen the concept of who they are as leaders, enhance skills to lead their organizations effectively, and organize and lead community change initiatives, all within the context of a multicultural framework that examines race, power, and the lack of representation.

Tracie Gilstrap
Director, Partner Network Engagement, Youth INC

Rise Academy was very helpful in creating a [talent] pipeline by providing leadership training for leaders of color in our organization so that they are ready to take that next step in their career, in our organization, and in a significant position of leadership.

Christie Ko
Executive Director, Fiver Children's Foundation

Working with Youth INC through its Rise Academy for Leaders of Color mentorship program was an absolute pleasure. I had the privilege of mentoring Katrina Greene, a remarkable and gifted young woman. During our time together, we achieved two of our key goals. One, she's now headed to law school and poised to transition from a job where she not only excelled but also outgrew. I'm excited to continue witnessing Katrina's journey and seeing her shine as she embarks on her career as a global law professional.

Aminah Yoba
Rise Academy Mentor
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Opening Doors for the Next Generation

Access to social networks and relationships that can open doors to further professional and organizational success is crucial for any leader.

Rise Academy Mentors are part of a movement to expand access and opportunity for emerging leaders as they navigate and accelerate their careers. Each mentorship pairs a young professional with an executive-level leader who offers guidance, perspective, and support to help them reach their goals.

We welcome mentors with experience in and out of the nonprofit sector - leaders who are eager to share their time, insight, and expertise with the next generation.

Access to social networks and relationships that can open doors to further professional and organizational success is crucial for any leader.

Rise Academy Mentors are part of a movement to provide access and opportunity to emergent leaders of color as they navigate and accelerate their career journey.

Mentorship pairs young professionals with executive-level leaders who can support them in achieving their goals. We are looking for mentors with experience in and out of the nonprofit sector and who are passionate about sharing their time and talent with the next generation of BIPOC leaders.
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Mentor Application Deadline

July 7, 2025

Mentor & Mentee Meet and Greet

July 14, 2025

Mentor & Mentee Pairs Announced

July 18, 2025

Orientation

July 21, 2025

Capstone Presentations

July 30, 2025

Mentor Meetings

September 15, 2025

Changing the face of leadership

We are committed to building a more representative nonprofit sector by expanding access, increasing visibility, and supporting emerging leaders as they grow into senior leadership roles.

Expanding Access

People of color represent approximately 40% of the population, bringing vital perspectives and leadership potential to the nonprofit sector. Yet they lead only 11 of the top 100 nonprofits, highlighting a clear opportunity to broaden representation in leadership.

Heightening Visibility


As nonprofit organizations increasingly serve diverse communities, there is a growing opportunity to build leadership that better reflects the people they serve.

Although nonprofit and philanthropic leadership remains predominantly white, 64% of nonprofits reported that more than half of their organization’s constituents were people of color.

Creating Change

Expanding opportunities to build trust and creating clear pathways to long-term support can help more leaders access the capital they need to grow and thrive.

Barriers for leaders of color in accessing capital reflect a pattern of systemic bias including getting connected, building rapport, securing support and sustaining relationships.

Rise Academy named 2022 Anthem Awards Inaugural Winner

Rise Academy has been named a 2022 winner at the Inaugural Anthem Awards. The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The inaugural competition received nearly 2,500 entries from 36 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.

Rise Academy for Leaders of Color has been named Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Community Engagement and Best Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Partnerships and Collaborations at the Inaugural Anthem Awards. The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The inaugural competition received nearly 2,500 entries from 36 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.

Read the press release.
Anthem Awards 2022 Winner

Rise Academy recognized by NYC Imagine Awards

Youth INC was named a finalist in the 2nd Annual NYC Imagine Awards for its Rise Academy program. The NYC Imagine Awards was created to acknowledge some of New York City’s most effective and innovative nonprofit organizations.  With nearly 250 applications submitted for consideration in five categories, including Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star, Social Impact and Arts & Culture, Youth INC was recognized as one of the four finalists in the Innovation category.

Youth INC was named a finalist in the 2nd Annual NYC Imagine Awards for its Rise Academy for Leaders of Color program. The NYC Imagine Awards was created to acknowledge some of New York City’s most effective and innovative nonprofit organizations.  
With nearly 250 applications submitted for consideration in five categories, including Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star, Social Impact and Arts & Culture, Youth INC was recognized as one of the four finalists in the Innovation category.

Read the press release.
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NYC Imagine Awards Finalist

Youth INC's Rise Academy Elevates Nonprofit Leaders of Color in New York City

Rise Academy is raising the voices of BIPOC nonprofit leaders through an equity-centered design
"Rise Academy strives to create a pipeline of BIPOC leaders in the youth development field that reflects the diverse young communities they serve."

- Gotham Magazine

Nonprofit partners boost corporate diversity at local firms

Corporations wanting to support the city's BIPOC communities team with savvy intermediary groups
"As the country continues to face a racial justice reckoning, corporations and philanthropies have partnered to pour money into nonprofits that exclusively serve communities of color. Organizations such as Youth INC, the New York Community Trust and others serve as intermediaries making sure the financial investments are well used."

- Crain's New York Business

Rise Academy announced as a NYC Imagine Awards Finalist

The annual awards event shines a spotlight on some of NYC's most impactful and innovative nonprofits
We are delighted to announce that New York City Imagine Awards has selected Youth INC as a finalist for their OneGroup Innovation award for creating a lasting impact in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

- Imagine Awards
Youth INC provides all of our programming free of charge to our Nonprofit Partners.  Thank you to Canaccord Genuity LLC and Goldman Sachs for their generous investments in Rise Academy.

Thank you to Canaccord Genuity LLC

Canaccord Genuity LLC, the US division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., has committed $750,000 to fund the launch of Rise Academy for Leaders of Color, bringing its support of Youth INC to $5 million over the past 10 years. This multi-year, unrestricted contribution helps us in our mission to dismantle systemic barriers to advancement for leaders of color in youth development nonprofits.

Read the press release.

Canaccord Genuity LLC, the US division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., has committed $750,000 to fund the launch of Rise Academy, bringing its support of Youth INC to $5 million over the past 10 years.

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Thank you to Goldman Sachs

Canaccord Genuity LLC, the US division of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., has committed $750,000 to fund the launch of Rise Academy for Leaders of Color, bringing its support of Youth INC to $5 million over the past 10 years. This multi-year, unrestricted contribution helps us in our mission to dismantle systemic barriers to advancement for leaders of color in youth development nonprofits.

Read the press release.

Goldman Sachs’ investment of $250,000 in Rise Academy supported nonprofit organizations in the inaugural cohort and provided each organization with the capital to ensure operational efficacy and future sustainability as the leaders undergo this important program.

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