‘Rise’ wins ‘Champion in Action’ for Youth Summer Workforce Programming

Rise, a non-profit organization situated in Hightstown, NJ, has been named the 2023 Champion in Action® by Citizens in the category of Youth Summer Workforce Programming. The organization is recognized for its exceptional work in assisting local families and individuals in recovering from setbacks and achieving their full potential. Rise’s mission is to teach young people how to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Their entrepreneurship education program helps them to develop important life skills while increasing their chances of success in whatever they plan to do.

This award includes an unrestricted funding of $35,000, complemented by substantial promotional and volunteer support, acknowledging the organization’s important work. Rise plans to use the fund to empower at-risk youth by providing salary for instructors and motivational speakers, organizing trips to colleges and other special destinations, and supplying materials to keep the program running and activities interesting.

Domenick Cama, the President for the New York and New Jersey Metro Region at Citizens, congratulated Rise on being selected as Champions in Action. Cama expressed his excitement on supporting Rise and its dedication to developing the workforce of the future.

Leslie Koppel, Executive Director of Rise, expressed gratitude to Citizens for its generous contribution of $35,000 to support their Champions in Action project, focusing on youth entrepreneurship. Koppel shared the enthusiasm of seeing the program’s positive impact on their students as they build confidence, develop their creativity, and enhance their essential business skills. The organization is committed to empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, making a difference in their community.

Citizens created the Champions in Action program in 2002 to address the unique social challenges faced by the communities it serves. The initiative rewards established non-profit organizations, providing them with the support they need to elevate their programs. Citizens expanded the Champions in Action program to include the New Jersey market this year, with Rise being the inaugural Champion. The program has been in operation for more than 20 years, awarding upwards of $10 million in contributions and promotional support to over 370 non-profits across the bank’s footprint.

For more details concerning the Champions in Action program, visit www.citizensbank.com/champions. The award and its associated perks will undoubtedly empower Rise to accomplish its goals and foster entrepreneurship amongst at-risk youth in New Jersey.

The included photo shows Rise representatives, alongside Citizens’ executives after being named as the 2023 Champion in Action® by Citizens in the category of Youth Summer Workforce Programming.