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Rise Above Program reports FY25 gains, seeks partnerships and internship pipeline
Summary
Chantell Duckett reported the Rise Above Program served 21 youth in FY25—exceeding its 15-youth target—and detailed education and mental-health supports, budget status ($40,000 total, $29,096.36 spent) and plans to expand partnerships and paid internships to sustain outcomes.
Chantell Duckett, representing Frederick County Family Partnership, told the Local Management Board on April 27 that the Rise Above Program (RAP) served 21 young people in fiscal 2025, surpassing the program’s annual target of 15.
The program, which serves 16- to 24-year-olds who are disconnected from school or work, offers GED preparation, internship and job-shadowing opportunities, career advisement, case management and mental-health services. Duckett said 20 participants updated or developed education goal plans and 19 showed measurable educational progress; one participant earned a GED in FY25.
A separate family-support services tally reported 38 youth served year to date, with 30 updating individualized goal plans, 14 passing at least one GED Ready test in FY26, and seven earning GEDs. Duckett identified test anxiety, trauma and skill gaps as primary barriers to completion.
RAP operates on a $40,000 annual budget. The meeting record shows $29,096.36 spent-to-date (about 72.7%), with $8,453.59 allocated to salary and fringe and $2,040.37 reserved for training, graduation and supplies. Duckett said next steps include expanding partnerships, pursuing funding sustainability and developing a paid internship and apprenticeship pipeline.
Because quorum was not met, the board held the report for discussion and did not take formal action. The LMB noted interest in partnership expansion and funding strategies; staff and program representatives will continue follow-up outside the meeting.
