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RISE In-Prison Program

The RISE In-Prison Program is an intensive six-month character development and job readiness program. We work with program participants to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset by taking ownership of their lives, developing positive relationships, and building meaningful life trajectories. 

  • Anyone who is currently incarcerated in a Nebraska Department of Corrections state prison can take our 6-month program. Preference is given to people who are 1-5 years from reentry.

  • Currently:
    Omaha Correctional Center (Omaha)
    Nebraska State Penitentiary (Lincoln)
    Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (York)
    Reception & Treatment Center (Lincoln)
    Community Correctional Center, Lincoln
    Community Correctional Center, Omaha

  • RISE staff members facilitate engaging, discussion-based lessons every week. Participants work through a textbook and submit weekly assignments. Additionally, Peer Facilitators (graduates of the RISE program) play a key role in facilitating discussion in the classroom and mentoring RISE program participants.

  • RISE offers an evidence-based program that addresses criminal thinking needs. Through our program, we empower participants to identify their own thinking errors and develop tools that lead to healthy thinking patterns and coping strategies, positive relationships and connections, and meaningful life trajectories. We help them focus on the person they are today, work with them to identify goals for their future, and provide support systems to meet their goals.

  • RISE takes a holistic approach to job readiness - from talking about "soft skills" such as communication and conflict management, to workplace etiquette, resumes, interview skills, and developing a career path.

Questions about the rise in-prison program?

Email Andrea Wright, Director of RISE In-Prison Program.

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IN-PRISON PROGRAM VOLUNTEERING

  • Time Commitment: 1-2 hours
    Locations: Home

    Volunteers will be assigned a RISE In Prison program participant via an online portal and will spend time providing honest and in-depth feedback on personal statements, cover letters, resumes, and business ideations.

    Frequency:
    Online Coaching is available for signup as needed. Typically, Online Coaching opportunities are open for registrations every 3 months.

    Requirements:

    • Registration through our website at least 3 days prior to event launch
    • Computer
    • Internet service

    Find Upcoming Dates

  • Time Commitment: 5-8 hours
    Locations: Omaha, Lincoln, York

    This In-Prison Program Milestone Event is a 5-8 hour time commitment taking place inside one of five Nebraska Department of Corrections (NDCS) facilities.

    In-Prison Program Coaching Days are typically held at the three-month mark of curriculum completion. RISE staff and NDCS-approved community volunteers spend a full day inside the prison facility with program participants going over resumes, cover letters, personal statements, mock interviews, and business ideations.

    Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.

    Frequency:
    In-Prison Coaching is available for signup as needed. Typically, In-Prison Coaching opportunities are open to NDCS-approved volunteers for registrations every 3 months.

    Requirements:

    • NDCS volunteer clearance prior to event
    • This process takes 90 days+. Email here to begin the process.
    • Registration through our website at least 30 days prior to event
    • NDCS dress code

    Find Upcoming Dates

  • Time Commitment: 8-10 hours
    Locations: Omaha, Lincoln, York

    Volunteers sit on panels and serve as judges throughout the morning hearing program participants' business pitches. Volunteers score the pitches and vote for the participants who will move on to the next round of pitching. Top participants will then pitch again while peers, volunteers, and guests vote, and the winners of the competition are announced. There is a cap and gown ceremony and certificates are awarded. Sharing of testimonies from participants, staff, volunteers, and family members concludes this meaningful day!

    Lunch, coffee, water, and snacks provided.

    Frequency: In-Prison Business Pitch Competition Judging is available for signup as needed.

    Typically, In-Prison Business Pitch Competition Judging opportunities are available to NDCS- approved volunteers for registrations every 3 months.

    Requirements:

    • NDCS volunteer clearance prior to event
    • This process takes 90 days+. Email Chantal Wentz here to begin that process.
    • Registration through our website at least 30 days prior to event
    • NDCS dress code

    Find Upcoming Dates

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER DATES

RISE Programs