Our Mission
We believe in the potential of all children to rise above adversity, stay in school, and achieve in life.
Who We Are
STRIVE
The STRIVE program (Skills Training, Relevant Internships, and Vocational Education) uses soft skills classes combined with job affinity tests to place students in viable career paths or additional training programs to support their successful transition into adult careers.
STRIVE is a unique area workforce development initiative for youth 17-22 years of age in Richmond County.
Why we do what we do.
Only 37.8% of Richmond County graduating students are considered college and career-ready (GOSA School Grades 2022).
In the U.S., 11.9 million kids live in poverty in the United States, 36% of Richmond County, GA children live in poverty.
Disadvantaged students often struggle with the transition from school to the adult workforce. Issues and complications surrounding poverty, a lack of career training, academic limitations, and overall confusion regarding next steps cause many to flounder. Basically, they are sent to the workforce without all of the tools and skills they need to succeed.
The Importance of Soft Skills in the Workplace
Often, the students who we serve need soft skills training before they can enter the workforce. According to indeed.com the benefits of soft skill training include increased productivity, improved customer service, increased self-confidence, increased retention rates, improved job satisfaction, increased loyalty from customers, improved team dynamics, and a greater ability to adapt. Without soft skills training, our STRIVE participants are more likely to struggle in the workplace environment.
Job Placement
Based on the student's unique needs, skills, aptitude, and interest we help them build a job plan and secure additional training and education. Resume writing, interviewing skills, and application assistance will be provided for all students. Students who plan STRIVE paths that require certification will be placed in training institutions to obtain those certifications in cooperation with businesses and certification programs as needed. STRIVE also utilizes local businesses, placing some students in a four-week, part-time employment trial that will end in either a hire or a letter of recommendation. RISE Augusta will pay for the four week internship, lifting the financial burden from partnering businesses while attracting more businesses to participate in this program to help students successfully transition into employment.
Wrap Around Job Supports
Additionally, the STRIVE program develops relationships between RISE staff and students in need, putting us in a position to know what is getting in the way of their progress. Participant wrap-around support is provided to mitigate the effects of poverty on students' success. When a need is identified by a staff member, they are enabled to take action and eliminate many of these barriers. Students are surveyed at both the beginning and the end of the program to determine the success of the program. The success of the program is determined by the number of students who feel confident and prepared to either enter the workforce at the end of their time in STRIVE or pursue additional training and certification to advance their career goals.
Be a part of the solution.
We are committed to demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in our behaviors, principles,
and practices.