Seven Students Selected as RISE Student Partners
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 11:25am | By: Danielle Mullins, LMSW
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Reaching, Including, Supporting, and Educating (RISE) To The Top! program recently welcomed its first cohort for the fall 2024 semester. RISE To The Top! is a four-year, eight-semester, inclusive college program for students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program is housed in the Institute for Disability Studies.
RISE To The Top! incorporates academics, student life, community engagement and employment preparation, leading to a certificate upon completion, and is a collaborative effort between USM’s Institute for Disability Studies and School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development.
A feature of the RISE program is one-on-one peer support. Each RISE student is paired with a Student Partner, who is a Luckyday Citizenship Scholar or Honors College student. Student Partners work with RISE program staff to assist students academically and socially, while providing professional development and connections to Southern Miss student resources.
Student Partners meet with RISE students weekly to discuss academics and the social aspects of college life. This partnership is designed to provide meaningful learning experiences for the Partners, allowing them to build leadership skills, while RISE students work to develop meaningful relationships and adjust to college life.
The inaugural group of Student Partners is comprised of seven students, one of whom serves as a Student Partner Liaison. The 2024-25 academic year Student Partners are:
- Rubba Akwieri - Sophomore; International Business /Biological Sciences
- Kirsten Cunnigham - Junior; Nursing
- Madison Hill - Junior; Special Education
- Kayiana Jasper - Senior; Health Sciences
- Leah Johnson - Junior; Major: Criminal Justice; Minor(s): Forensic Science, Legal Studies, and Child Advocacy Studies
- Lindsey Matney - Graduate Studies/Masters; Major: Special Education
- B Twilbeck - Senior; Major(s): Psychology and Sociology
RISE To the Top! student partners have already made an impact in their roles. Leah Johnson shared, “I believe that all individuals deserve the opportunity to pursue higher education and a ‘college experience’ if they desire. That’s why the work RISE does is so important to this university.”
Lindsey Matney said, “My favorite thing about being a RISE Student Partner is being able to make a personal connection and friendship with my mentee and being there to help guide them through college. I know that I would have loved to have had a mentor guide me through my initial time in college, so it is very rewarding to do that for someone else.”
This year, the RISE program is piloting a Student Partner Liaison position, a leadership role held by former Partners and tasked with promoting social opportunities both on campus and throughout the greater community. Kayiana Jasper reflected on this new position, stating, “Being a Student Partner gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone to selflessly serve someone else. I am forever grateful for the bond that I made with my student and will cherish all of our memories and the growth that I had the opportunity to witness through this partnership. I look forward to now being a support for our Student Partners.”
Aysha Robertson, MSW, Transition Specialist with The Institute for Disability Studies, coordinates and assists the Student Partners and Student Partner Liaison. Robertson said “I’m thrilled to be working with the RISE program, especially alongside our incredible Student Partners. They play a crucial role in this program by helping our RISE students navigate the college experience and foster meaningful connections through shared experiences.”
Student Partners will attend at least two social events with their RISE students to develop a stronger social connection beyond academics. Social event opportunities can be attended on campus or through opportunities offered through a collaboration with USM’s student organization, Aspiring Special Educators Network (ASPEN).
Visit the RISE To The Top! program online for more information (look for the RISE To The Top! tab), or contact Executive Coordinator for Transition Danielle Mullins at 601.266.5962 or email Alyssa Parks.