Graduate student Poornima Malviya still remembers attending the orientation event for this year's Razorgrad Institute for Success and Engagement, or RISE, in the fall — an event where Ed Pohl, dean of the Graduate School and International Education, delivered an "inspiring message."

"He said, 'Perseverance is key — it will carry you a long way,'" she said. "That day, I also had the privilege of meeting my mentors, Valerie Contreras and Darlington Ehijie Imhanzuaria, who shared their own transformative journey in RISE. Their stories helped us feel assured that we are in the right place."

Malviya was one of 27 students who participated in the RISE Program this year. Made possible through a $150,000 gift from the Hearst Foundations, the program helps incoming graduate students transition to the rigors of graduate school, especially those who are the first in their family to attend college. Participating students reflected on an impactful year centered around RISE's four pillars: academics, professional development, community engagement, and wellness.  

"RISE helped me connect with a community of kind, inspiring people and guided events, trips, and workshops that were perfect for first-generation students," said Minahil Qazi, who is pursuing a master's degree in studio art. "These experiences opened my eyes to the many opportunities and encouraged me to build meaningful connections."

Throughout the year, students participated in site visits to companies such as New Millennium, a steel manufacturing company, visited the Rivercrest Orchard pumpkin patch, and had opportunities to earn Scrum Master and Six Sigma Green Belt certifications for students' professional development. Students also helped pick up litter around campus during an organized clean-up event.

"As an M.B.A. student at the U of A, the RISE program gave me the incredible opportunity to earn two certifications that instantly elevated my resume," said Gabriel Sole-Adeoye, who is pursuing a master's degree in supply chain and retail strategy. "With outstanding mentorship and career-boosting benefits, RISE is a game-changer you don't want to miss."

Additionally, participating students were paired with fellow graduate students who served as mentors for them during their time in the program. Mentors helped students with navigating academic challenges, facilitated workshops on resume building and other soft skills, organized team-building activities, and emphasized the importance of self-care and stress management.

"Being a mentor this year was extremely rewarding," said Valerie Contreras, who is pursuing a master's degree in biological anthropology. "Coming from a first-generation and underrepresented background, I know how hard the first year of graduate school can be. My goal in becoming a mentor was to help my fellow peers succeed in their first year of graduate school while also creating a community and helping the RISE program at the University of Arkansas grow."

For Blessing Chukwuma, a graduate student studying public health, the experience in the program helped prepare her to find employment after graduation.

"The RISE program has been an incredible addition to my school year," she said. "It has provided me with invaluable support from my university while also allowing me to earn relevant certifications that strengthen my resume. This experience has definitely boosted my confidence as I prepare to enter the job market."

The RISE Program will open for applications for its 2025-26 cohort in August. For more information about the program, visit the GSIE website.