R.I.S.E.
Leadership Experience
Rising up in Real Excellence, Real Confidence, & Real Leadership
📍 Columbus, Ohio 📅 August 5–7
👥 Only 30 students accepted 📝 Application based
For Rising Juniors and Seniors
For Schools
We are partnering with schools across Central Ohio to identify students who are ready to grow as leaders.
This is designed to be simple and impactful for both students and schools.
What we need from you:
Nominate up to 2 students
Encourage them to participate
Optionally attend a short informational Zoom (April 7 or April 14 at 1:00)
Program Details
Date
📅 August 5–7, 2026
Location
📍Columbus, Ohio (Exact location will be shared with accepted students)
Who Can Apply
🏫 Students entering their junior or senior year of high school
Capacity
👥 30 students
Cost
💵 The RISE Leadership Experience is a $50 investment in yourself.
• $50 program fee if accepted
Application Deadline
📝 June 14, 2026
“Rise truly developed my ability to be a leader by teaching me professionalism, improvising on the spot, visualizing my future, and teaching me how to be vulnerable with others.
I took the skills I learned in RISE and created a lecture/ presentation I shared with the HOSA members at my school to help them out at the conferences.
With the skills I learned in rise, I grew as a person and that made me want to share it with others to spread the knowledge.
Rise not only made an impact on me, it helped over 60 students start their journey to becoming a medical professional.”
— NidhiWhat is RISE?
RISE is a multi day leadership experience designed for high school students who are ready to grow in confidence, discover their values, and take action in their communities.
Students will:
Build confidence in who they are
Discover and define their personal values
Strengthen communication and leadership skills
Create an impact statement for their future
Connect with other student leaders across Central Ohio
Who should Apply
RISE is designed for students who are entering their junior or senior year of high school and who:
• Want to grow as leaders
• Care about making a difference
• Are involved in clubs, sports, or service
• Want to meet other motivated students
• Are willing to challenge themselves
You do not need a leadership title to apply.
What Students Will Experience
During RISE, students will participate in
Leadership workshops that build real world skills
Team challenges that build confidence and collaboration
Guided reflection that helps students understand their values
Small cohort discussions that build strong friendships
Conversations with community leaders and mentors
Students will leave the experience with new friendships, new ideas, and the confidence to lead where they are today.
Learn From Local Leaders
Students at RISE will hear from influential leaders from across Central Ohio.
Guest speakers may include community leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, public servants, and other professionals who are making an impact in their communities.
These speakers share their personal leadership journeys and give students real insight into leadership, service, and career pathways.
What Students Walk Away With
Students leave RISE with:
• Greater confidence
• Leadership skills they can use immediately
• New friendships with student leaders
• Mentorship connections
• A vision for how they can make an impact
Why RISE Exists
When I attended a leadership program in high school, I walked in unsure of myself and hesitant to speak up.
By the end of the week, my dad looked at me and said,
“Where have you been all week?”
That confidence changed everything for me.
It wasn’t because I suddenly became someone different. It was because I was finally in an environment that pulled something out of me that had always been there.
That’s why we created RISE.
We are looking for those same students. The ones who might not raise their hand right away, but walk out of this experience more confident, more sure of themselves, and ready to lead.
The RISE Leadership Curriculum
RISE is built around the leadership curriculum used by Leaders of Today in past conferences and summer programs.
During the experience students will
Discover their personal values
Develop confidence in their leadership abilities
Learn communication and teamwork skills
Build an entrepreneurial mindset
Explore how they can create real community impact
At the end of the program each student will create a personal Impact Statement that reflects how they want to lead and serve in their school or community.
Apply to RISE
If you are ready to challenge yourself, grow as a leader, and connect with other motivated students from across Central Ohio, we encourage you to apply.
Applications close June 14, 2026.
Only 30 students will be accepted into this experience.
We hope to see you there!
Nominate a Student
We believe leadership starts now, not someday.
Help us find the students in your school who are ready to grow, step up, and make an impact.
Applications close June 14, 2026.
Only 30 students will be accepted into this experience.