Rise Up Scholars Program
Program Overview
Find Your Community. Grow Your Potential.
Rise Up is a leadership development program for high-potential and high-achieving business students who are committed to personal growth, goal achievement, and fostering a supportive community that empowers one another. We are a unique Scholars program in that participation is not based on your past performance prior to joining K-State. We believe in your potential and will walk alongside you to help you reach your goals!
Three Ways to Engage.
One Supportive Community.
Rise Up offers business students three ways to get involved based on their goals, interests, and level of commitment.
Each pathway includes participation in our Rise Up Group Coaching workshops, where students develop leadership, career readiness, goal-setting skills, resilience, and professional confidence alongside a supportive community of peers.
Students who want deeper engagement, additional leadership opportunities, mentorship, and expanded professional experiences can commit to become a Rise Up Scholar.
Which path is right for you?
Rise Up CAT Community: For incoming freshmen who want to take 3 required business courses with a small cohort of peers, receive personalized onboarding to K-State, a peer mentor, and support to start college with a solid foundation for success. Enroll with your academic advisor. Space is limited.
Rise Up Community: Best for students who want flexible access to coaching workshops, professional development, and a supportive peer network. Request using the Rise Up Community form anytime.
Rise Up Scholars: Best for students who want a deeper leadership experience with mentorship, accountability, corporate engagement, and expanded opportunities. The Rise Up Scholar title is earned each semester by meeting or exceeding performance expectations. Apply to pursue Rise Up Scholar Status by August 1 to participate in fall 2026.
No matter how you engage, Rise Up is designed to help you grow, connect, and succeed.
Start Strong.
The Rise Up CAT Community helps new business students navigate their transition to K-State through a small-cohort experience built on support, accountability, and growth. You'll take three required business courses alongside up to 22 peers while building relationships with faculty, staff, and fellow students who are committed to your success.
Through weekly connections, you'll develop the habits, resilience, and professional skills needed to thrive in the College of Business and beyond. You'll gain clarity about expectations, explore career pathways related to your major, and begin building the competencies employers seek.
Learn more and speak with your academic advisor to enroll in the Rise Up CAT Community.
Explore. Connect. Grow.
The Rise Up Community is open to all business students who want to engage with the Rise Up network and access opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. Community Members can participate at whatever level fits their interests and schedule.
As a Rise Up Community Member, you can:
- Attend select Rise Up workshops and events
- Connect with fellow business students
- Learn about internships, jobs, scholarships, and campus resources
- Explore leadership and professional development opportunities
- Build relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, and employers
What to Expect
- No required workshops, meetings, or deliverables
- No minimum GPA or performance requirements
- Participate as much or as little as you'd like
A High-Impact Leadership Development Experience
Rise Up Scholars is an immersive leadership development program for high-potential business students who are committed to personal growth, leadership development, and achieving ambitious goals.
Unlike many scholars programs, Rise Up is not based solely on what you accomplished before arriving at K-State. We focus on your potential, your commitment, and your willingness to grow.
Along with participating in Rise Up Group Coaching, Scholars receive additional support, mentorship, accountability, and opportunities designed to accelerate their academic, personal, and professional success.
Performance appraisals are completed each semester. If a student meets or exceeds performance expectations, they earn the Rise Up Scholar title and are promoted to the next stage.
Rise Up Assistant (Stage 1)
Build the foundation for success at K-State through peer mentoring, professional habits, and academic accountability.
Rise Up Associate (Stage 2)
Explore career pathways, develop career readiness skills, and gain early professional experiences.
Rise Up Senior Associate (Stage 3)
Expand leadership and professional experience through internships, campus leadership, coaching, and advanced career preparation.
Rise Up Manager (Stage 4)
Lead a high-impact project, present to alumni and corporate partners, and prepare for a successful transition into a full-time career.
Scholar Expectations
Rise Up Scholars are expected to meet performance standards and complete developmental milestones throughout the program. Through this process, Scholars learn accountability, goal achievement, and how to navigate performance expectations in professional environments.
Expectations may include:
- Attending Rise Up Group Coaching sessions
- Participating in a student organization
- Meeting the Rise Up résumé standard
- Completing career readiness activities
- Participating in corporate visits and networking experiences
- Completing internships and leadership experiences
Why Become a Rise Up Scholar?
- Personalized support and accountability
- Peer and executive mentors
- Leadership development training
- Corporate visits and networking opportunities
- Career coaching and preparation
- A community that challenges and supports you
100% of fully engaged Rise Up Scholars secure internships and employment within three months of graduation.
Who should join:
Motivated on-campus students pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in business.
Why join Rise Up:
Develop the career skills employers value, build the accountability needed to reach your goals, and join a community that values your unique talents and career aspirations. Through the program, you’ll gain exposure to different cultures and perspectives while building meaningful, lasting connections.
Speak to your academic advisor about the Rise Up CAT Community
Have questions?
Contact Dr. Olivia Law-DelRosso
✉️ riseup@ksu.edu