Project RISE

10/27/2025

We had a fun time today!

https://www.southernlocalmeigs.org/o/slsd/article/2510251?fbclid=IwY2xjawNsmyFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqRr7OR-voEhuD7i-L1zvjjAE-6Byj2wFmJTDn0lH7lvA-2tmoYUtBUtR6Cu_aem_AO4FFWRrDf4dOOHMhBBhiQ

CHAUNCEY, OH — Southern High School students got an up-close look at the future of construction on ...

09/29/2025

https://www.southernlocalmeigs.org/o/slsd/article/2443959?fbclid=IwY2xjawNHU3NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFIWElHSzhRcDFCaDJQUkdnAR4OE2bvqe2rTRxiA5dlaeK7MHqI2Tn9g7TSiwXc9TN5YgeL4ZxDDZNFxxDnhg_aem_OU2LPEATOAjE61gtzbZMZA

POMEROY, OH – On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, more than 100 Southern High School students explor...

09/18/2025

ATHENS- An Alexander High School student made some big waves after successfully completing her Project RISE over the summer.

Maggie Perko, an Alexander High School student, interned at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (District 4), specifically Fish Management, in Athens. Under the supervision of Matt Hangsleben, Maggie learned an array of skills, including shocking and tagging fish.

To see how the experience impacted Maggie’s career trajectory, watch the video below.

Project RISE would like to thank ODNR and internship supporter, the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, for funding the paid internship program, which gives the students an incredible experience.

If you’d like to invest in tomorrow’s workforce, contact Amy Robinson at amy.robinson@athensmeigs.com.

Alexander High School student Maggie Perko completed a Project RISE internship with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, where she learned hands-on skil...

09/09/2025

Big news in Chauncey, Ohio — the future of homebuilding is about to begin! Next week, a 3-D printed house project kicks off, and it’s turning heads (and laying layers) in the construction world.

Students at Southern Local School District in Racine got a front-row seat to this high-tech magic, learning how giant printers can create strong, stylish homes one layer at a time.

Want your school to be part of the excitement? Reach out to Project RISE and get ready to see the future being built — literally!

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RACINE, Ohio — A high-tech company in Athens is redefining the way houses and buildings are constr...

08/22/2025

As our summer internship program comes to a close, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Gallery 14 in Pomeroy for hosting Madelyn Houghton, a member of Southern High School’s Class of 2025. We are grateful to the business owners and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for providing this incredible opportunity and supporting our students’ growth and success

08/11/2025

This summer, Audree Chapman, a recent graduate of Federal Hocking High School, has traded her usual routine for something a little more colorful—and a lot more inspiring—by interning at the Dairy Barn Arts Center.

She’s helping to create a safe, encouraging space where kids can open up, try new things, and believe in themselves. Audree is discovering that art can be more than just creativity—it can be a lifeline for emotional growth and connection.

Thanks to the Dairy Barn Arts Center and the Appalachian Children Coalition for this opportunity. It gave Audree a chance to make a real difference, one brushstroke and kind word at a time, as she prepares to begin college to study early childhood education.

07/23/2025

Paige Kuhn, a passionate student from Federal Hocking High School, is making a powerful impact this summer at the Dairy Barn Arts Center’s youth camp. As part of her internship, Paige is helping create a supportive, creative space where young campers can express themselves, build confidence, and support their mental well-being through the arts.

From leading hands-on activities to providing encouragement and a listening ear, Paige is learning how art can be a powerful tool for emotional growth and connection. Her presence is not only helping campers thrive—but also reinforcing the importance of mental health support in youth programming.

A huge thank you to the Dairy Barn Arts Center and the Appalachian Children Coalition for providing this one-of-a-kind experience. Your commitment to empowering students and uplifting our communities is truly inspiring!

07/23/2025

Meet Addison Jackson, a well-educated student from Federal Hocking High School who is gaining hands-on experience through an exceptional internship at Nationwide Children’s Athens Close to Home Center in Athens. Addison is exploring the dynamic and deeply impactful field of speech-language pathology under the guidance of a team of experienced and compassionate professionals.

This opportunity is not only providing Addison with valuable clinical insights but also shaping her understanding of how communication sciences can change lives—especially for young patients and their families. By observing therapy sessions and learning best practices in patient care, Addison is gaining a front-row seat to a career that combines science, empathy, and service.

A heartfelt thank you to Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for making this transformative experience possible. Your investment in future healthcare professionals like Addison is truly making a difference.

07/23/2025

Olivia Varner, a Trimble High School student, is hitting the ground running during her internship at the Dairy Barn Arts Center’s summer camp, where art meets mental health in meaningful ways. We are grateful to the Dairy Barn and the Appalachian Children Coalition for this incredible opportunity to grow, create, and connect.

07/21/2025

Meet Kenna Ausseresses, a recent Athens High School graduate who’s diving into the world of public health through her internship at the Athens City-County Health Department!

Kenna recently had the unique opportunity to observe lab testing of mosquitoes for the West Nile virus—a fascinating glimpse into how science helps protect our communities.

This hands-on experience is helping Kenna explore career paths in health and science, all while contributing to important public safety efforts.

A big thank-you to the health department and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for making this exciting learning opportunity possible through Project RISE!

07/21/2025

Takira Walker, a student at Federal Hocking High School, is gaining valuable experience in early childhood education through her internship at the Dairy Barn Arts Center’s summer camp.

Through creative engagement with young children, Takira is learning how art can be a powerful tool for development—promoting emotional expression, reducing stress, and building self-esteem.

This opportunity not only supports her interest in education but also highlights the vital role of the arts in fostering mental wellness in children.

A heartfelt thank you to the Dairy Barn Arts Center and the Appalachian Children Coalition for making this enriching experience possible through Project RISE.

07/21/2025

Kianna Rose is a standout student from Southern High School, and she's spending part of her summer interning at Holzer in Pomeroy—right in the heart of the pediatric unit!

She’s learning all about what it takes to be a nurse: from comforting little patients to understanding the day-to-day care that keeps them smiling and healthy.

Huge thanks to Holzer and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation for making this unforgettable experience possible through Project RISE!