The Rising Stars Program, a nonprofit that aims to cultivate a strong, well-rounded workforce and drive success in the construction industry, announced it is launching a mentorship alliance in Brooklyn, following a successful pilot program.

Designed to support Rising Stars as they navigate workforce entry, the mentor program will last up to a year after graduation. With plans to launch in April 2025, 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 that focuses on holistic community revitalization by developing neighborhood assets and programs designed to connect people to resources to help everyone in the community thrive. 

“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.”

“It will be incredible to see this program unfold over the coming months,” said Ellen Honigstock, senior director of education at Urban Green Council. “The Rising Stars students are eager to develop as industry professionals, and our Urban Green mentors are proud to support them.”

This valuable opportunity equips participants with the tools they need to succeed and aligns with the Rising Stars’ mission to create a pipeline of enthusiastic, skilled young professionals for the construction industry. 

“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.”