Rise
Rise—an initiative of Schmidt Futures and the Rhodes Trust - is our newest partnership program and will build a network of promising young people working to serve others.
The world’s most important problems will be solved by the next generation of leaders. Yet too often, the most exceptional people never realise their full potential for global impact. Either they are never discovered, become isolated at a young age, lack access to opportunities to develop their ideas, or face social and economic barriers.
Rise starts at ages 15-17 and encourages a lifetime of service and learning by providing support that includes need-based scholarships, mentorship, networking, access to career development opportunities, and the potential for additional funding as Rise Global Winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems.
Each application year, Rise invites 15-17 year olds from around the world to participate in the Rise Challenge. Unlike many traditional applications, Rise uses videos, projects, and group interviews so applicants have multiple opportunities to showcase their potential. For applicants without access to technology, we offer alternative low-tech pathways through web-browser and paper applications.
Everyone who applies joins a global community of leaders and gains access to opportunities from our partners around the world.
Finalists participate in educational and social impact courses, offered through Rise, to level up their skills and grow their networks. They also gain access to funding on a competitive basis.
The Rise Global Winners receive benefits to help them scale their impact. These benefits include a fully-funded residential summit, need-based higher education scholarships, funding for ideas on a competitive basis, access to a network of other Rise Global Winners, starter technology packages, mentorship, and career services.
In addition, the program may provide additional benefits and services to Winners and other members depending on need and funding.