The Rising is an innovative curriculum-based group mentoring initiative that is underway in two Seattle middle schools: Denny International and Meany. The program targets 6th graders and works to create self-esteem and the critical thinking skills they need to succeed. Developed by the National CARES Mentoring Movement, The Rising was piloted in Chicago, Detroit and South Florida where it met with great success.
In Seattle, students meet weekly at their middle school in Wellness Mentoring Circles, facilitated by 
Seattle CARES-trained mentors and professionals. Community partners are brought in to offer wrap-around services for both children and their families. In 2018, King County’s Best Starts for Kids program awarded a three-year $300,000 grant to Seattle CARES to launch The Rising, and we hope to expand the program in 2019.
Since The Rising was launched nationwide in 2012, data have shown that young people who participate have made statistically significant gains in social skills and engage more in school. Youth were also shown to have more positive feelings about themselves and more hope for the future.