New York Construction News staff writer
The Rising Stars Program is launching a mentorship alliance in Brooklyn, following a successful pilot program.
Designed to support graduates entering the workforce, the mentor program will last up to a year. With plans to launch this month, this will be a collaborative effort with two New York-based partners—Urban Green Council (UGC), a nonprofit dedicated to decarbonizing buildings for healthy and resilient communities, and RiseBoro Community Partnership (RiseBoro), a Brooklyn-based nonprofit.
“Having a mentor helps ease the transition into the workforce and benefits recent graduates looking to receive guidance, support and insights from someone who understands the industry,” said David Hutchinson, executive director of the Rising Stars Program. “Launching a formal mentor program allows us to further support our students while also strengthening our existing relationships with Urban Green Council and RiseBoro.”
Supported by Con Edison through its one-year-long Clean Energy and Technology Careers planning grant, the Rising Stars Program aims to pair approximately 10 students with mentors from the UGC network. This is an increase compared to the two students that participated in the pilot program last year.
“The Rising Stars Program aligns with our vision to combat the effects of climate change, advance social justice, and train for green jobs,” said Hilary Ayala, director of charitable giving at Con Edison. “We’re proud to support the nonprofit as it helps educate and foster the next generation.”
Supported by 15+ sponsors including Tremco CPG, the Rising Stars Program aims to cultivate a strong, well-rounded workforce in the construction industry by supporting youth entering the workforce, as well as minority- and women-owned businesses, through education and training. Offered in six cities across the United States, the program is ultimately driving success for those emerging in the construction industry. Learn more at www.risingstarsprogram.org.
“We look forward to formalizing this collaborative mentor-mentee program,” said Joscelyn Truitt, vice president at RiseBoro and Rising Stars Program board member. “This alliance emphasizes the importance of promoting and supporting the next generation of professionals, and we’re excited to see how the program continues to grow.”
