Who We Are
RISE is the Road to Independent living, Spiritual formation & Employment - a 2-year, live-on-campus program for students with intellectual disabilities. Judson University is one among few college life experience programs at a 4-year Christian college. Our students live in residence halls and socialize among Judson's undergraduate population.
RISE was founded in 2016 and brought our first cohort to campus in August, 2017. We have gained a solid reputation as a program that succeeds in helping our students become more independent and competitively employed while growing in their faith.
What We Do
The RISE Program consists of some key components; RISE students:
- Room with a fellow RISE classmate & share a suite with a RISE Resident Advisor
- Take classes in independent living, professional skills, self-discovery & determination, health & wellness
- Select a subject area concentration & take three undergraduate courses in one of the following: Business & Entrepreneurship, Christian Ministries, Creative Arts, Education, Health & Wellness, Math & Technology
- Work at on-campus internships in year 1 and at off-campus/community partners in year 2
- Attend chapel 2-3 times each week
- Participate in all Judson University and Judson Student Organization activities & events
- Volunteer at least one-time each semester at a local service project
- Can elect to play intramural sports, audition for choir or musical ensembles, manage Judson sports teams, join student clubs, etc.
The RISE Program relies on many traditional undergraduate students to help support our students in the residence halls, during undergraduate courses and at internship locations. We also continually seek new partners to help us expand internship opportunities, coordinate meaningful service projects and donate funding and/or products/services. If you have a heart for students with intellectual disabilities, we would love to have you join us!
