Program Overview

Find Your Community. Grow Your Potential.

The Rise Up Scholar Experience

• Personalized onboarding to K-State
• Goal-setting support and accountability
• Peer and executive mentors
• Leadership training
• Corporate visits and networking trips
• Scholarship opportunities after meeting performance expectations
  
  

Expectations
Rise Up Scholars are required to meet specific performance outcomes to be promoted and remain in the program. Through this process, Scholars learn accountability, goal setting and goal achievement, and how to navigate performance appraisals.

Sample performance expectations:

Stage 1: Rise Up Assistant
Typically freshman year, Rise Up Scholars are in Stage 1 and titled a "Rise Up Assistant". They meet regularly with a peer mentor who provides "high touch" onboarding to ensure students know about the resources on campus. They must learn to master professional habits useful for their academic and career success.

Stage 2: Rise Up Associate

As a Rise Up Associate, Scholars explore career opportunities and learn to articulate their career vision. They are expected to complete an early career experience, go on a corporate trip, complete a career assessment, and a mock interview, among other expectations.

Stage 3: Rise Up Senior Associate

In Stage 3, Rise Up Senior Associates focus on gaining career experience through expanding their skillset. They are required to meet with a career coach, participate in a mock interview, obtain a leadership role on campus, complete an early career experience remotely, and a traditional internship.

Stage 4: Rise Up Manager

Rise Up Managers focus on making an impact on campus by driving a successful project to influence an effort important to them. They present their project to alumni and corporate partners. They also meet with a career coach, engage in a mock interview, and dedicate time weekly to obtaining a job. The goal is to have a full-time job offer signed before graduation.

 

Who should apply:

Motivated on-campus students pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in business. Students are encouraged to apply before starting their freshman year or prior to transferring into K-State Business. Current freshmen and sophomores are also welcome to apply. Spots are limited and competitive.

Why apply to Rise Up:
As a Rise Up Scholar, you’ll develop leadership and career skills, learn to leverage your strengths, and join a community that values your unique talent and career aspirations. You’ll gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives, and build lasting connections. Our results speak for themselves: 100% of Rise Up Scholars who fully engage in the program secure internships and a job within 3 months of graduation.

Application timeline:

• Priority Application Window: May 1, 2025 – July 1, 2025

• Regular Application Deadline: September 30, 2025 (if spots remain)

 

Have questions?
Contact Dr. Olivia Law-DelRosso
📞 (785) 532-6986
✉️ riseup@ksu.edu