“Lighting the Path for Our Youth”
The “R.I.S.E” In-School Youth Empowerment Program
The RISE Program is El Shama CARES Foundation’s signature after-school empowerment initiative, a transformative experience for high school youth across Edmonton. Meeting once a week from 3:00–6:30 p.m., the program provides a safe, inspiring, and structured space where young people gather to connect, reflect, and grow, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Built on our Foundation’s three pillars, Safe Spaces & Housing Stability, Mental Health & Wellbeing, and Community & Career Integration. RISE is more than a program. It’s a movement for upward mobility, designed to equip youth to rise above barriers and build meaningful, purpose-driven lives. To maximize reach, schools are grouped into regional clusters. Youth from surrounding schools meet at a host high school within their cluster. For schools in rural or remote areas, students are referred to our community-based sessions, ensuring that no young person is ever left behind.
Program Purpose
RISE was created to meet the urgent need for holistic youth development in Edmonton’s schools, particularly among Black, racialized, and marginalized youth who face systemic barriers to success. Our goal is simple but profound: to create a culture of belief, belonging, and becoming.
We aim to:
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Improve graduation rates by fostering resilience, accountability, and vision.
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Reduce absenteeism by building meaningful connections that make school feel like a second home.
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Prevent crime and risky behavior through mentorship, life skills coaching, and constructive alternatives.
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Increase college and university enrollment by nurturing confidence, purpose, and preparedness.
Advocate for youth ensuring every young person has a voice, a plan, and a champion
Program Framework
R - Rebuild & Restore
We begin by rebuilding confidence and restoring hope.
Youth learn to heal from trauma, rediscover self-worth, and re-imagine their stories.
This reflects our Safe Spaces & Housing Stability pillar, a foundation for safety, belonging, and emotional grounding.
I - Inspire & Ignite
We inspire youth to dream boldly and ignite their intrinsic purpose.
Through mentorship, mental-wellness coaching, and faith-based empowerment, they find motivation from within, not just to survive, but to thrive. This connects directly to our Mental Health & Wellbeing pillar.
S - Strengthen & Support
We strengthen resilience and provide consistent, wrap-around support.
Youth gain practical life, leadership, and academic skills while building meaningful relationships with mentors and peers. This embodies our Community & Family Systems approach, because growth happens through connection.
E - Elevate & Empower
We elevate youth into opportunities and empower them to take charge of their futures.
From career exposure and education planning to advocacy and civic engagement, RISE prepares every participant to stand tall in their purpose. This reflects our Community & Career Integration pillar, lifting youth toward lasting independence and leadership.
Tagline Alignment
R.I.S.E. → Redefining Hope. Igniting Purpose. Strengthening Futures.
Impactful Results
Experience the transformative impact of our services on the lives of young individuals. Witness growth, confidence, and success as we work together to build a brighter future for our youth.
CALL FOR SCHOOLS
Join the RISE UP Cluster: Bringing Mentorship, Leadership & Graduation Support to Your School!
The EL Shama Cares Foundation Inc. is extending an invitation to schools across Edmonton and surrounding regions to join our RISE UP Cluster — a network of schools committed to empowering Black youth and other marginalized students through culturally responsive mentorship and life skills development.
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Our Culturally Responsive Mentorship & Life Skills Program is a school-based initiative that connects youth with positive mentors, builds self-esteem, strengthens academic engagement, and fosters leadership through identity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches.
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By joining our cluster, your school can:
✅ Offer on-site mentorship and life skills workshops tailored to your students’ needs.
✅ Connect students to trained community mentors who reflect their cultural and lived experiences.
✅ Provide access to graduation readiness coaching, mental health supports, and family engagement resources.
✅ Participate in citywide youth leadership events, including our annual Black Excellence Youth Summit & Graduation Gala.
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How It Works
Flexible Delivery: We offer in-school programs (lunch-hour or after-school sessions) and virtual workshops to suit your school’s schedule.
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No Cost to Schools: The program is fully funded by EL Shama Cares Foundation and community partners.
Collaborative Approach: Schools assign a liaison (e.g., guidance counsellor, success coach, or teacher) to coordinate referrals and communication.
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Why Join the RISE UP Cluster?
Promote equity and inclusion within your student body.
Strengthen your school’s graduation success rates.
Foster a sense of belonging and pride among Black and marginalized youth.
Be part of a citywide network of schools advancing student wellness and leadership.
Join Us Today!
We’re currently accepting new school partners for the 2025–2026 academic year.
To express interest or schedule an information session, please contact: