As we prepare to celebrate 13 years of RISE TOGETHER, we’ve been reflecting on one simple truth:

Connection changes lives.

Over the last 13 years, RISE TOGETHER has had the privilege of engaging more than 500,000 youth through storytelling, prevention education, leadership development, and community engagement.

What started as a small group of people has grown into a movement powered by thousands of young people, educators, families, and community partners who believe every young person deserves to feel seen, supported, and connected.

And today, we have the data to support what we’ve witnessed for years.

Research and evaluation have shown significant increases in help-seeking behaviors, peer support, and protective factors associated with youth well-being and substance use prevention. In our recent study published in the NIH, more than half of students reported a decreased likelihood of substance use after participating in a RISE experience, with even stronger outcomes among middle school students.

But beyond the numbers are the moments that matter most.

The student who realizes they aren’t alone.

The young person who reaches out for help.

The friend who learns how to support someone struggling.

The trusted adult who chooses to start a conversation.

Those moments are why we do this work.

As we enter our 13th year, we’re building on what we’ve learned.

The future of RISE is focused not only on prevention education but on creating sustainable opportunities for connection through community partnerships, youth engagement, adult training, and RISE Hangouts.

Because prevention doesn’t happen through a single presentation.

It happens when young people have trusted relationships, supportive communities, and places where they know they belong.

Thirteen years later, the mission hasn’t changed.

We’re still helping young people feel seen, supported, and connected.

And we’re just getting started.

More announcements coming this week!

Learn more about Lucky 13: RISE TOGETHER Day | September 12th.