Register now for Central State University’s RISE to the Challenge: Engaging a Bold Future
Excitement on campus is building for the second annual RISE to the Challenge Summit, with registration now open for Central State University’s conference focused on career development for the leaders of tomorrow.
The theme for the Jan. 31 event is RISE to the Challenge: Engaging a Bold Future. Distinguished speakers and companies will join forces to empower students from diverse backgrounds with the tools they need to transition from college to prolific careers.
“Our goal for the summit is to encourage connections between students and corporate partners,” said Kim Jones, ’89, director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs at Central State. “Students and industry leaders will have an opportunity to engage with one another in a more relaxed setting, providing an opportunity to not only ask questions but also to have conversations around what students need to separate them from employers.”
Through personal storytelling, representatives from sponsor organizations will inspire area high school seniors and college students to follow their dreams and positively impact workplaces worldwide.
The summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the University Student Center at Central State, 1400 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce, Ohio 45384.
Students who register by Dec. 20 will have an opportunity to be entered into a drawing to receive a special gift. The final registration deadline is Jan. 15.
As Ohio’s only public Historically Black College or University and 1890 Land-Grant Institution, Central State is uniquely positioned to offer this high level of industry engagement with students from diverse backgrounds.
See highlights from RISE to the Challenge 2022
What people are saying
“Fabulous engagement with industry leaders committed to DEI and student success. Thank you for including us and for your leadership. Congrats on an amazing event!” — Participant in the 2022 RISE to the Challenge Summit
Jones said Central State is committed to crafting creative ways for students and companies to interact.
“This event is very important for the career development foundation that we want to provide for our students while at Central State University,” she said. “It offers unique access opportunities for our students and industry leaders. We all have something to gain from attending this event.
“Many of the companies represented have taken advantage of other opportunities to provide career insight and leadership opportunities for Central State students, such as participating in our weekly Wealthy Wednesdays and career expos and as classroom guest speakers,” Jones added.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship is an excellent way for companies to highlight their commitment to DEI and connect directly with students. Over 150 participants attended the inaugural summit in 2022. Central State anticipates an event larger turnaround at this year’s conference.
To take advantage of all the benefits of sponsoring RISE to the Challenge, companies can reserve sponsorships through 12 p.m. Jan. 10.
For more information about sponsoring the event, or for questions or accommodation requests, contact Kimberly Jones, ’89, kjones@centralstate.edu or 937-376-6054.
This year’s early corporate sponsors include Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Edward Jones, Encova Insurance, Fifth Third Bank, Grange Insurance, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Nationwide Insurance, and PNC Bank.
