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Programas that power change
At the heart of the RiseUP Ecosystem is Our mission:
We catalyze community-driven change through education, creativity, workforce, and accessibility.
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RiseUP isn’t a traditional nonprofit — it’s a creative impact network that connects education, public art, workforce development, and accessibility into one cohesive system of community transformation.
Founded in 2012 on the principles of Support, Access, and Service, the RiseUP Ecosystem is how we put those values into action today.
Each of our four core pathways works together to create opportunities for people to learn, build, and thrive — turning creativity into lasting community change.
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Youth Empowerment & Education
Developing authentic relationships and project-based learning that help youth lead change.
The foundation of the RiseUP Ecosystem is education. Through the Elevate Program and Creative Leadership Program, students learn by doing — using creativity, teamwork, and service to strengthen their communities.
We don’t just teach leadership; we co-create it with young people. Students design murals, lead service projects, and build skills that prepare them for college, career, and life.
RiseUP's Support, Access, and Service Framework, ensures all students feel seen, capable, and valued.
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Combines creativity and problem-solving to address real-world challenges. Students explore local issues: mental health, climate, equity, or school culture and design actionable projects that create measurable impact.
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Students design and complete public art or community service projects that express identity and build civic pride. They learn how creativity can be a tool for storytelling and local change.
RiseUP's Impact on Youth
20+
Schools Impacted Across Connecticut and Beyond
5,000+
Students engaged since 2012
90%+
of participants report increased confidence and connection to their community
55%+
Reduction in Violent, Aggressive, and Disruptive (VAD) Incidents at CREC partner schools
Education is where the RiseUP journey begins, nurturing the next generation of creative changemakers.
RiseUP for Arts is Connecticut’s leading creative and tactical placemaking initiative, using public art as a catalyst for long-term community change. We collaborate with residents, artists, and municipal partners to design murals, installations, and events that bring identity, safety, and vibrancy to public spaces.
Every project is co-created with the people who live there—because public art is so much more than public art. It’s a platform for storytelling, local investment, and collective pride that can transform how a community feels about itself and its future.
RiseUP also operates a 5,000 square foot co-creative space in Hartford's Parkville neighborhood. The Studio offers individual studios, workshops, classes, youth camps, events, and more! BECOME A STUDIO MEMBER TODAY
Localized Creative Teams and Projects
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Placemaking and Public Art Services RiseUP Offers
Community-Driven Murals and Installations
We engage residents from concept to completion, ensuring every mural or installation reflects local stories, culture, and aspirations. Public spaces designed WITH neighborhoods and community members, NOT just for them.
Creative and Tactical Placemaking
Our approach blends art, planning, and community activation to help towns and partners reimagine how public spaces function. We believe in designing people-centered environments that the community can enjoy.
Events and Activations
Activating underutilized public spaces into places for connection and creativity. We host an annual Off-Main Experience Series in Manchester, East Hartford, and Stamford along with many other pop-up block parties and community events.
Placemaking & Public Art Consulting
Beyond producing art, we advise municipalities, developers, and businesses on how to use art and creativity to build safer, more inclusive, and people-centered environments.
Workforce Development & Second Chances
Building pathways to stability, dignity, and opportunity through work and wraparound support.
RiseUP Home & Commercial Services is a licensed and insured social enterprise providing hands-on employment, training, and support for individuals rebuilding their lives. This program turns community improvement projects into workforce opportunities—where skill-building meets purpose.
Through commercial and residential landscaping, painting, and renovation contracts, our team delivers high-quality services while gaining trade skills and work experience. The program is 75% self-funded through earned revenue, reinvesting profits directly into workforce training and RiseUP’s community programs.
We believe employment is just one part of stability. That’s why we provide wraparound services addressing substance abuse recovery, housing, and food insecurity—helping every team member remove barriers to success and show up ready to thrive.
Licensed and
Insured Contractor
Deliver professional residential and commercial landscaping, painting, and renovation services.
Earned Income
Model
75% of program funding comes from paid contracts with individuals, businesses, and municipalities.
Second-Chance
Employment
Provide meaningful work for individuals reentering the workforce or are considered unemployable through traditional employment.
Comprehensive
Support
Connect team members with recovery, housing, and food resources to ensure long-term success.
Community Accessibility & Inclusivity
Designing spaces and furniture where everyone has a seat at the table.
Inclusive Furniture
Our mission is to ensure everyone can enjoy public spaces comfortably and inclusively.
Community Engagement
Join us in driving innovation and inclusivity in our communities.
Through Able Solutions, RiseUP brings accessibility and creativity together to design inclusive public spaces where every person can participate, connect, and belong.
Our first signature project, the Able Table, is a universally accessible, artist-painted picnic table. Built by a paid team of individuals with disabilities and underserved youth. Each installation transforms accessibility into an act of community art — reminding people that inclusion is both beautiful and essential.
Beyond the tables, the Able Builders Program engages youth and volunteers in building and designing accessible structures, merging universal design with creativity and service.
ADA- Compliant
Local artist-painted seating that invites connection and belonging in parks, schools, and public spaces.
Able Builders Program
Hands-on learning that combines design, craftsmanship, and accessibility education.
Community Partnerships
Collaborations with healthcare systems, schools, and nonprofits to promote inclusion and universal design.
Inclusive Design Advocacy
Advancing awareness that accessible design strengthens communities for everyone.
