YMCA of Greater Indianapolis

How RISE Up is benefiting their youth
By Madison Fernandez
Published

The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers a variety of Youth Empowerment Programs, including youth employment services. It works with 16- to 24-year-olds, many of whom have been “disconnected from school or work,” says Association Youth Empowerment Director Jamie Rhodman. 

Many of these students are working on their high school diplomas or GEDs. This program prepares them for employment, teaching employability skills and offering a variety of classes and credentials, including the NRF Foundation RISE Up course and credentialing program.  

Here’s how Rhodman uses the RISE Up program to strengthen skills and enhance employability for students. 

RISE Up is accessible and effective 

Rhodman explains the importance of RISE Up in the classrooms. “Some of these students have not completed traditional education. Many of them have faced lots of barriers,” she says. She says the RISE Up courses are accessible to all learners, regardless of their academic backgrounds. “Even though many of our participants have not finished their education or face challenges with certain academic skills, RISE Up excels in conveying content easily and making it understandable.” 

“Our goal is to help them achieve self-sufficiency,” Rhodman says. “By offering this program, we’re able to help them move closer to that.” The RISE Up program gives students employability skills they otherwise may not have access to. “It enhances their workforce readiness, offering topics like resume building, teamwork, public speaking and other transferable skills.” 

Successes 

The youth employment services have proven to be extremely effective and successful. “A lot of our participants that we’ve worked with have reported back,” Rhodman says, “saying that the RISE Up certification is the reason they were employed.” 

A past participant now works at the airport, and the certification was “definitely a driving point in her getting that job. That was huge for us because our goal is for them to land a career or a better job, and this certification afforded her the opportunity to make some self-sustaining money,” she says.  

In addition to offering retail education, RISE Up offers these learners a boost in confidence. “The customer service content is extremely relatable and relevant, not only to those professional experiences but also to everyday life experiences,” Rhodman says. 

Students can learn about retail, but what they’re learning is applicable to all parts of life. This boosts their confidence, both professionally and personally. “The fact that they’re able to accomplish something like this has helped them gain confidence and motivation to complete their education and find success,” she says. 

When asked what the students particularly enjoy about RISE Up, Rhodman tells us they have a feeling of pride upon completion. “They have something tangible at the end that they’re able to show and add to their resumes,” she says. “They always feel extremely proud to have an industry-recognized certification at the end. It’s been really rewarding.” 


RISE Up is the NRF Foundation training and credentialing program that provides foundational employability skills to help people land jobs and get promoted in retail and beyond. 

Our curriculum and exams are industry-recognized and were developed in collaboration with more than 20 retailers, including Walmart, Macy’s, The Home Depot, Burlington Stores, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Nordstrom. And we’re proud to partner with more than 3,000 training partners across the country. 


 

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