Unlocking potential in Nashville one career at a time.

UpRise’s 2017 origins stem from the question:

“Instead of helping people IN poverty, how do we help people get OUT of poverty?”

Inspired by the way the early church cared for the poor in Acts 4, West End Community Church united with private and corporate donors to launch UpRise Nashville. UpRise exists to alleviate relational, economic and spiritual poverty through education, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the power of redemptive relationships.

As costs of housing, childcare and transportation soar, Nashville is becoming a more difficult place to thrive.

Higher wage companies in our city are looking for employees with higher skills. Coupled with low graduation rates at nearby post-secondary schools, too few people in poverty are able to go to school for two or four years to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Combined with post-secondary education that certifies participants with skills Nashville employers need, our program is unique in the range of people we serve (ages 19-50), the short-term education certifications and breadth of support. No program in Nashville combines these elements, which are critical to getting participants into quality jobs and helping retain them.

$25,126

Average additional earnings in first year of work

57%

Average decrease in the need for food stamps

UpRise’s Innovative Program Model:

Barrier Assessment:
Trauma, incarceration, abuse, addiction and homelessness are barriers that could keep Leaders from obtaining employment. An initial assessment creates a holistic, individualized path forward.

Career Coaching:
Tailored career coaching provides support, resources and guidance that Leaders need to alleviate roadblocks, successfully complete their education and obtain a quality job. Career coaches walk alongside Leaders, even years after they graduate from UpRise, to help them take the next steps in their career.

Training Camp: 
A five-week Training Camp equips Leaders with core workplace competencies such as time management, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, professionalism and digital literacy. The hard (not “soft”) skills of forgiveness, drawing healthy boundaries and stewarding a budget are also taught and practiced.

Short-Term Certification:
After successful completion of Training Camp, Leaders attend institutions throughout the city to obtain certifications in the following areas highly sought-after by local employers:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant

  • Clinical Medical Assistant

  • Commercial Driver's License

  • Medical Office Administrative Assistant

  • Microsoft Office Specialist

  • Phlebotomy

  • Trades Apprenticeship - Construction, HVAC and Electrical

Family Dinner:
Monthly Family Dinners bring Leaders and their families together to encourage each other in educational and career pursuits, build community and receive continued training, support and guidance. 

Career Placement:
Career Coaches work alongside each Leader to place them in a job with upward mobility. UpRise works alongside community minded Employer Partners who are hiring and cultivating historically overlooked talent pools to provide an environment for Leaders’ giftings to thrive and their skills to grow.