Santee's Rise Up: Training Ex-Prisoners and Gang Members Wins $1 Million 'Impact Prize'

Rise Up Industries, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, has garnered significant recognition by winning a share of the prestigious Impact Prize, a $1 million award aimed at celebrating innovative and effective workforce development and technical training programs. This accolade, initiated by entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Iovino through the Iovino Family Foundation, acknowledges nonprofit initiatives that have demonstrated exceptional outcomes in providing high-quality employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Founded in 2016, Rise Up Industries has been at the forefront of supporting individuals who have experienced incarceration or gang involvement. Its core initiative, the reentry program, is designed to equip participants with the skills necessary for successful careers in Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machining. This field, crucial for modern manufacturing and production, is characterized by a high demand for skilled professionals. The program’s success is highlighted by its outstanding 100% employment rate for graduates. This impressive statistic underscores the program’s effectiveness in not only facilitating a smooth reintegration into society but also in significantly reducing gang involvement and recidivism rates. By addressing a regional labor market gap in San Diego, Rise Up Industries plays a vital role in both community rehabilitation and economic development.

The Impact Prize, which saw a competitive pool of hundreds of applicants from 39 states, is awarded to nonprofit programs that have achieved proven success in fostering sustainable employment. The award seeks to spotlight initiatives that have made a substantial impact on the communities they serve. Tom Iovino, the chairman and founder of Iovino Enterprises, expressed his admiration for the winners, saying, “Each winning organization, while unique in their approach, shares a collective and inspiring commitment to provide the communities they serve with the tools necessary for high-quality and sustainable employment. I am encouraged by the measurable impact they have had in their communities and feel incredibly fortunate to support their continuing work.”

Other 2024 Impact Prize Winners:

• Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse: Based in the Chicago area, this program focuses on workforce development through the deconstruction industry. It collaborates with other nonprofit organizations and building trades employers to recruit trainees and provide comprehensive career development and job placement services. By focusing on deconstruction, the program not only helps in the reduction of waste but also in the creation of new employment opportunities.
• Lost Angels Children’s Project: Operating in the Antelope Valley and greater Los Angeles area, this organization addresses the needs of young people aged 18-24 who face significant economic and social barriers. Through vocational training, social enterprise opportunities, and targeted outreach programs, Lost Angels aims to support these young individuals in overcoming obstacles and advancing in their careers.
• West Virginia Women Work: This program is dedicated to helping women in West Virginia achieve economic independence by providing them with extensive training and support services. The focus is on skilled trades and manufacturing fields, areas often overlooked in traditional workforce development programs. By targeting these fields, West Virginia Women Work aims to empower women with the skills needed for high-demand, well-paying jobs.

The Impact Prize is managed in partnership with Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, an organization that offers expert advisory and management services to philanthropic ventures. This partnership ensures that the awarded programs receive the support and guidance necessary to expand their impact and continue making a difference in their communities.

The recognition of Rise Up Industries and the other winners of the Impact Prize underscores a broader commitment to addressing critical gaps in the labor market and supporting underserved communities through innovative and effective programs. These initiatives not only provide meaningful employment opportunities but also contribute to the overall economic and social well-being of the regions they serve.