Responsive Industry Support Ecosystem
RISE
The Responsive Industry Support Ecosystem Program (RISE) matches industry and professionals with learners pursuing careers in emerging employment sectors such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Sustainability.
RISE is comprised of four components: RISE Base Camp, RISE Climb, RISE Team, and RISE Summit with RISE Base Camp serving as the cornerstone. RISE Base Camp is open to ALL students at UTK.
RISE BASE CAMP
RISE Base Camp introduces students to industry professionals in the RISE Network who are in various stages of their careers, from early-career to seasoned professionals. Meetings are held every other week during the semester, inviting students to listen in as professionals share about their career journey. Students then have an opportunity to ask questions and network . Dinner is provided. Open to ALL UTK students.
RISE Climb
Students develop a personalized professional growth and mentorship plan, flexibly explore other connections, and complete a series of professional development benchmarks by utilizing available resources at CECS and on campus.
Open to any student enrolled in a CECS program.
RISE Team
Students who complete RISE Climb are eligible for team mentorship with a relevant member of the RISE Network. This includes two 30-minute virtual mentorship sessions with a mentor and a small team of similarly interested learners per semester.
Open to any individual enrolled in a CECS program. Summer 2025
RISE Summit
Students who complete their team mentorship, and are CECS majors, are eligible for individual recognition by the RISE Network. These individuals will present the outcome of their internship, research, service, co-op, or capstone experience during the CECS RISE Summit Industry Showcase.
Spring 2026
Interested in participating in RISE?
The RISE network is diverse, dynamic, and constantly expanding. If you or your organization are interested in being a part of RISE, please submit the form below. Someone from CECS will be in touch shortly.
