RISE Impact Halifax

Impact Halifax was developed after conversations with more than 50 middle and high school students across Halifax County. Their ideas, interests, and feedback directly shaped this program.

Mission

The mission of RISE Impact Halifax is to equip and empower youth to think like entrepreneurs, develop solutions, and take action on ideas that create real value through innovation, leadership, and hands-on experience.

Vision

The vision of RISE Impact Halifax is to cultivate a generation of entrepreneurial, resourceful, and forward-thinking young leaders who create opportunities, solve problems, and shape the future of Halifax County and beyond.

Values

• Community: Work on projects that make a real impact where you live.
• Connection: Build relationships with other students, mentors, and local leaders.
• Change: Turn ideas into action and create something that didn’t exist before.

Learn by doing and gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship and leadership.

Impact Halifax is a community-based program under RISE, not a school club. Students can participate in projects, workshops, and events throughout the year, both during and outside of school.

• Start with your own idea or join a group project
• Work with other students and get guidance from mentors
• Participate in hands-on workshops and real-world experiences
• Build and present your ideas, with opportunities to receive funding to bring them to life

There are no attendance requirements. You can participate in the experiences, projects, and events that fit your schedule and interests.

The program is guided by the RISE Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator, who serves as the main advisor and point of contact.

Recent graduates are encouraged to stay involved as mentors or junior advisors.

Flexible, community-based opportunities designed to meet students where they are.

• Workshops are offered during the academic year in partnership with public, private, and homeschool groups across Halifax County.
• Time commitment varies based on your level of involvement, with participation options ranging from occasional events to ongoing projects.
• Additional experiences and events take place at community partner locations such as the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and the SOVA Innovation Hub.

Impact Halifax is focused on serving middle school and high school students in Halifax County. This includes students in public, private, and homeschool settings. 

Students from nearby counties are welcome to participate.

For educators and students in other localities: We welcome the opportunity to partner with you to bring the RISE Impact program to your community. To start a conversation, please contact Jocelyn Forest, RISE Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator, at jocelynforest@svhec.org.

Build real-world skills you can use right away:

• Leadership and decision-making
• Creative problem-solving
• Communication and public speaking
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Entrepreneurial thinking and initiative
• Practical business skills like planning, budgeting, and marketing

These are skills you can use in school, future jobs, and your ventures.

Students will explore real opportunities beyond the classroom:

• Learn how ideas connect to careers in business, technology, and creative fields
• Meet entrepreneurs and professionals from your region
• Gain experience you can use on resumes, applications, and interviews
• Build confidence in presenting ideas and working with others
• See how what you’re learning can translate into real-world opportunities.

Students leave with hands-on experiences, practical skills, and projects they can talk about in applications, interviews, and future opportunities.

These experiences support college, career, and life readiness skills aligned with Virginia’s Profile of a Graduate.