Summer RISE Ceremony Brings Students, LT. Governor, Business Owners, and County Leaders Together

More than 900 students were celebrated at this Summer RISE closing ceremony for participating and completing the program.

Summer RISE is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Department of Partnerships in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program is for rising MCPS juniors and seniors to participate in a career-based learning opportunity during the summer.

This year’s speakers included special guest Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, MCPS Board of Education president Karla Silvestre, superintendent Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, and education and culture chair and councilmember Will Jawando.

Students and program hosts also heard from a panel of entrepreneurs featuring Ted Xenohristos, CAVA restaurant founder, Shawn Springs, Founder and CEO, Windpact, Inc, and Simar Girm, co-founder of Apna Pizza.

The event wrapped with a networking and hosts fair and a student session on financial literacy and stipend distribution.