100+
Young people reached
3
Dedicated mentors
5
Workshops held
100%
Community-driven
Our Mission
Rise'NG Stars exists so that talent isn't wasted for lack of access. We give African American and minority youth a direct line to mentorship, career exploration, and leadership development: the same advantages that open doors for kids everywhere else. We work in small groups and one-on-one, matching each young person with adults who've walked the paths they're curious about, from healthcare to engineering to entrepreneurship. Beyond structured mentorship, we reach youth where they already are, through community sports programs and partnerships with local law enforcement, building trust before asking for anything in return.
Why this work can't wait
5.6x
Black youth are incarcerated at 5.6 times the rate of white youth in the U.S. as of 2023 (Rovner, 2025).
10-15%
Only 10-15% of youth of color nationally participate in after-school programs (Wathen et al., 2021).
Rising locally
Juvenile crime in Montgomery County, MD rose sharply after the pandemic even as statewide rates declined (Kulumba, 2025).
“Before this, I didn't really think anyone was in my corner. Having a mentor who checks on me makes it easier to stay out of trouble and think about where I'm actually headed.”
Program participant, Class of 2025