Built by people who needed this, once.
Rise'NG Stars was founded by a small team of Maryland professionals and educators who kept meeting the same young people at the same crossroads: capable, curious, and unsure how to turn that into a career.
What began as informal Thursday lunch check-ins with a handful of local teenagers has grown into a structured mentorship and leadership program, backed by a growing network of volunteer professionals across sports, education, and public safety.
Access changes outcomes
Most of what separates a stalled dream from a clear plan is exposure to people, options, and a next step.
Mentorship over charity
We build relationships, not one-time events; every student is paired with a mentor who stays with them for the program year.
Representation matters
Seeing someone who looks like you doing the job you want changes what feels possible.
Our Core Beliefs
Access Changes Outcomes
Most of what separates a stalled dream from a clear plan is exposure to people, options, and a next step.
Mentorship Over Charity
We build relationships, not one-time events; every student is paired with a mentor who stays with them for the program year.
Representation Matters
Seeing someone who looks like you doing the job you want changes what feels possible.
Our Approach
Our approach is informed by ongoing doctoral research into how at-risk youth in Maryland experience structured mentorship and leadership programs. The program's design draws on Hirschi's social bond theory and Bandura's social learning theory.
Our Leadership Team
Ted Daley
Founder & Executive Director
Co-Founder & Program Partner