In early 2025, the College of the Florida Keys was honored as the RISE Up Partner of the Year, recognizing the school’s innovative use of the RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals credential within its inclusive post-secondary program, Project ACCESS. Nearly a year later, the impact of that recognition continues to ripple through the college, the community, and most importantly, the lives of its students.
Since receiving the award, Project ACCESS has experienced a surge in visibility and credibility. The recognition elevated the program’s profile across campus and throughout Florida, inspiring new partnerships and opportunities.
“The RISE Up Partner of the Year Award is a tangible and visible symbol to our community that College of Florida keys prepares its graduates for the retail workforce,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, President and CEO of the College. “Our neurodiverse students who were prepared using the national retail curriculum are now successfully employed in different facets of the retail industry. This award is validation for our employees and the community that we serve. Thank you to the NRF Foundation.”
The award also opened doors to present at major conferences, including the Florida Division on Career Development & Transition (FLDCDT) Visions Conference and the international DCDT Conference in Denver. These platforms have allowed the College of Florida Keys to share how RISE Up can be adapted for neurodiverse learners and integrated into transition programs nationwide.
The national spotlight has had a profound effect on student motivation. Project ACCESS students now see themselves as part of something award-winning—and that pride has translated into increased engagement and confidence.
“They point to the NRF award as validation that their skills and career pathways are valued,” said Nina Medyk, who leads the program. “It’s helped them persist through challenges and take ownership of their learning.”
Since the award, the College of Florida Keys has expanded its experiential learning opportunities. Every student in the 2024–25 first-year cohort completed a summer internship, applying their RISE Up training in real-world retail environments. The program also introduced a new entrepreneurial initiative using Cricut machines, allowing students to design and sell products, practicing customer service, inventory management, and sales, all in a hands-on setting.
These experiences reinforce the curriculum and help students build confidence, independence, and job readiness.
Students are proudly showcasing their RISE Up credentials in résumés, cover letters, and online portfolios. Many even include photos of themselves holding their certificates, a powerful visual of their accomplishments. Through mock interviews and career readiness activities, students are learning to speak confidently about their skills and how they translate to the workplace.
“This combination of credential recognition and self-advocacy has helped students present themselves as qualified and motivated candidates to potential employers,” said Nicole Gerrard, Executive Director of Student Success Services.
It’s inspired hope, opportunity, and success for our students, and it’s shown what’s possible when inclusive education meets industry-backed training.
Faculty and staff across the College of Florida Keys have embraced the continued integration of RISE Up. Professors volunteer as mock interviewers and “shoppers” in classroom simulations, helping students apply their skills in engaging, supportive environments. The program’s success has inspired other departments to explore how they can incorporate similar credentialing into their own courses.
“The NRF Foundation award continues to ripple outward,” said Dr. Medyk. “It’s inspired hope, opportunity, and success for our students, and it’s shown what’s possible when inclusive education meets industry-backed training.”
The College of the Florida Keys is a shining example of how inclusive, credential-based education can transform lives. With the continued support of the NRF Foundation and a commitment to innovation, Project ACCESS is not just preparing students for the workforce, it’s preparing them to thrive.
