Where business students become career-ready professionals.
RISE Academy pairs UMSL business students with mentors from the professional community for a guided climb from the classroom to the career they want — building the human skills that set successful graduates apart.
RISE Scholar
Foundation
Open to all students. Build the foundation through professional development workshops and small-cohort group coaching.
RISE Laureate
Mentorship
Earned by Scholars who advance. One-on-one mentorship as you prepare to launch your career.
RISE Academy 2026-27 Schedule
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 24, 2026 | Student Applications Open | |
| Friday, September 11, 2026 | RISE Laureate Application Deadline | |
| September 14–16, 2026 | Interviews | |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | RISE Laureates Announced | |
| Oct 14 & 15 | Interviewing | Story building, mock interviews, following up |
| Nov 4 & 5 | Professionalism | Communication, presence, and workplace expectations |
| Feb 3 & 4 | Networking | Confidence, follow-up, and building connections |
| Mar 10 | PitchFest | Put your skills into practice in a live setting |
| Apr 7 & 8 | Confidence | Humble confidence, initiative, and bringing value |
| April (TBA) | Fashion Show | A special RISE Academy capstone event |
Two sessions per workshop: Wednesdays 3–4pm and Thursdays 6–7pm. Attend whichever works for you!
Get involved
Choose your path.
For Students
Get a personal mentor, a recognized credential, and $500 toward your career — plus the network and confidence to launch.
For Mentors
Shape a student's career in as little as an hour a month. You bring the experience — we handle the logistics.
