UpRise

UpRise Nashville is tackling a critical challenge: breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment for individuals in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Nearly 47% of Davidson County’s 712,334 residents earn below a living wage, creating systemic inequality. For many, this isn’t just a statistic—it’s a struggle to meet basic needs and build a stable future. Over one-third of families are headed by single parents, who face unemployment rates nearly four times higher than county averages, impacting 56,000 children. The unemployment rate for Black individuals in Davidson County is nearly double that of White residents, reflecting ongoing racial inequities.

Systemic barriers such as limited access to transportation, childcare, housing, and technology prevent unemployed individuals from accessing training and sustainable work. Existing job training programs are often costly, lengthy, disconnected from in-demand careers, and lacking personalized mentoring and wraparound support. As a result, those most in need of employment are locked out of available opportunities.

Meanwhile, employers in the healthcare and logistics sectors face a hiring crisis — a surge in available jobs and a lack of qualified workers to fill them.

Addressing these issues isn’t just necessary—it’s transformative for families and the economy, unlocking potential for a stronger, more inclusive Nashville.

UpRise Nashville offers a highly personalized workforce development solution that empowers individuals facing systemic barriers to achieve economic mobility. Our program combines short-term, no-cost certification training in high-demand fields with career coaching and wraparound services like childcare, transportation, and mental health support.

The journey begins with a five-week Training Camp, where participants, called "Leaders," build essential life and professional skills, including time management, digital skills, and communication. Then, leaders pursue industry-recognized certifications in areas such as clinical medical assisting, office administration, and medical billing, which are critical to local employers. Our collaboration with employers ensures the training aligns with market demands, increasing job placement rates and long-term career success.

Career Coaches provide personalized support during and after training, helping Leaders navigate challenges and maintain employment. UpRise also leverages technology by offering digital literacy courses and AI tools for career navigation.

With a proven 139% average increase in participant income and an 85% job retention rate, UpRise is transforming lives while addressing Nashville’s labor shortages. This scalable, community-driven model prepares individuals for meaningful careers and fosters long-term self-sufficiency and generational change.

Please view these videos that bring to life the impact of our solution: https://www.youtube.com/@UpRiseNashville/videos

UpRise serves individuals facing significant systemic barriers to economic mobility —single parents, those overcoming addiction, survivors of human trafficking, the formerly incarcerated, and homeless individuals, among others. Demographically, 67% of Leaders are Black, 18% are White, 8% are Hispanic, and 76% are women. Many face challenges like single parenthood (31%), justice involvement (34%), substance addiction (27%), and mental health issues (65%).

UpRise addresses their needs through a holistic program that offers more than job training. Our five-week “Training Camp” equips Leaders with core workplace competencies such as time management, communication, professionalism, and digital literacy skills. Then, high-quality job training and industry-recognized certifications lead to employment with our employer partners in jobs with growth potential and comprehensive benefits like health insurance and paid leave. 

We take time to know each Leader personally—their strengths, challenges, and goals—allowing us to personalize support and place them in jobs where they will thrive. Career coaching, enhanced by critical supports like childcare, transportation, and mental health services, promotes long-term success.

The impact is transformative: In their first year, UpRise Leaders experience an average 139% increase in annual income, regain custody of children, achieve sobriety milestones, and secure stable housing, empowering them to build lasting economic stability.

UpRise Nashville was founded by Carole Peterson, a former federal prosecutor who witnessed firsthand how systemic barriers hinder individuals from breaking free from cycles of poverty. This experience shaped her vision for UpRise: a program rooted in empathy, proximity, and practical support.

Our team consists of individuals who either share lived experiences with our Leaders or have long-standing relationships within the community. For instance, 64% of our staff identify as Black or Hispanic, and 90% of our team members have overcome significant personal barriers, such as single parenthood, justice involvement, unemployment, or economic instability, equipping them with authentic empathy and insight. All of our staff resides in Nashville, including 45% who live in the high-crime neighborhoods where many of our Leaders also live.

Community input is integral to our program design. We continuously gather feedback through surveys and advisory committees composed of alumni and current Leaders. Recent feedback from a Leader survey led to the enhancement of financial literacy modules and the introduction of additional time for career-specific coaching sessions. Alumni return to each class to mentor new Leaders through "Career Conversations," where they share their education and job experience, further embedding lived experience into our solution.

Over the past six years, nearly 300 Leaders have found meaningful work, 85% of last year’s graduates are still employed after one year, most have received pay increases and/or promotions, and many have moved on to advanced training, including the pursuit of college degrees —all reflecting the quality and sustainability of skills acquired through the program and Leaders’ commitment to their career paths.

This proximity-driven approach ensures that UpRise remains relevant and impactful. By respecting the voices of those we serve and building a team that reflects their journeys, we create a trusted, inclusive environment that promotes meaningful change.

UpRise is firmly in the Growth stage because we have moved beyond initial piloting to operating a proven, repeatable model that consistently supports individuals in overcoming barriers to meaningful employment. Over the past several years, we have built a robust and integrated approach—including life skills training, targeted career coaching, and employer partnerships—that has successfully placed multiple cohorts of Leaders in sustainable jobs. Our program design is now well-established, as evidenced by repeatable curricula, consistent outcomes, and strong organizational partnerships within the community.

We have an established funding pipeline bolstered by individual donors, grants, and corporate sponsors.  These reliable revenue streams ensure operational stability and allow us to invest in continuous improvement and expansion to new cohorts. We have honed an effective methodology for sourcing and screening participants, delivering holistic support, and measuring employment milestones. Our data-driven approach has shown positive results in retention, wage increases, and ongoing personal development, affirming that our model is viable and ready to scale.

Having demonstrated success, we are now positioned to grow by increasing the number of cohorts or class sizes in our current location and replicating this solution in additional locations, maintaining our proven design while aiming for a broader impact.

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UpRise offers an innovative solution by combining targeted, employer-driven career training with holistic, highly personalized support that begins at admission. Unlike traditional job programs, UpRise starts by helping participants determine the education and career paths best suited to their personal giftings, preferences, family constraints, and background challenges. This individualized approach ensures that every Leader’s journey is aligned with their unique circumstances and goals.

Leaders earn industry-recognized credentials quickly and without debt while addressing systemic barriers to employment. This is achieved through wraparound services tailored to the realities they face, such as single parenting, transportation, and mental health challenges.

Another innovation is the six months of intensive post-placement coaching, helping Leaders navigate the real-world obstacles that often lead to early job loss. This level of ongoing, personalized support is rare among similar programs and significantly improves long-term retention and success.

Our partnerships with leading employers—including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Ascension St. Thomas, and Stansell Electric—ensure our training meets current industry demands. Employers not only provide input on the curriculum but often participate directly in the training process, ensuring that Leaders don’t just find jobs but launch careers with clear growth pathways in high-demand fields.

Additionally, UpRise addresses a critical gap usually overlooked by other programs: helping participants build professional networks. Many Leaders come from environments where everyone they know faces similar struggles, leaving them without the connections needed for career advancement. UpRise helps them build these networks and equips them with the skills to expand them over time.

By aligning highly personalized coaching, employer-driven training, and professional networking, UpRise demonstrates a new way forward in workforce development. In a city where nearly half of workers earn below a living wage, our replicable model offers more than temporary solutions—it empowers individuals to achieve lasting economic stability, transforming families and communities for generations.

UpRise’s primary impact goal is to break cycles of poverty and unemployment by equipping high-barrier individuals with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to secure living-wage careers and establish lasting economic stability. 

To measure progress toward this goal, we track several key indicators that align with UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Employment Rate and Job Retention (SDG Targets 3.8, 4.3, 4.5, 5a, 5b, 8.1,  8.5)

• High percentage of Leaders obtaining employment (80%+).

• Job retention at 6- and 12-month intervals to assess long-term stability (80%+).

Wage Growth (SDG Targets 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 10.1, 10.2)

• Starting wages and comparison to follow-up wages at defined milestones to document each Leader’s progress toward financial stability (target = at/above living wage)

Program Completion and Certification (SDG Targets 4.4, 5a, 5b, 8.5)

• The proportion of Leaders who complete the training program and earn relevant credentials (e.g.,  CDL, CMA) (80%+).

Personal and Family Stability Indicators (SDG Targets 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 3.8, 16.1)

• Positive change in factors such as stable housing, reliable transportation, access to healthy food, and childcare, based on individual Leader needs. Progress in these areas indicates a holistic move toward economic independence.

• Positive change in personal wellbeing factors, including confidence, mental health, and overall emotional resilience —predictors of long-term success. 

Employer Feedback and Community Partnerships

• High employer satisfaction rates (95%+) and strong partnerships ensure that we create lasting opportunities for Leaders.

By closely monitoring these indicators, we can refine our programming, maintain transparency with stakeholders, and amplify our transformative impact on individuals and the broader community.

The UpRise Team currently includes 18 regular members, including 12 staff members (ten full-time; two part-time) and six advisory board members. In addition, we have over 100 volunteers, most providing two to six hours per year (some provide up to 18 hours per year) of guidance for leaders on professional dress, interviews, and networking speeches. This does not include employer partners who also play a critical role in the program. 

UpRise Nashville has been empowering people to rise out of poverty since 2017. Our team brings a combined wealth of experience, with 77% having worked extensively with our target populations across social services, legal, workforce development, education, and community health. Some team members have over 20 years of experience in one or more of these fields, contributing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those we serve. This collective expertise enables us to deliver a comprehensive, impactful solution tailored to the needs of our Leaders, fostering meaningful, lasting change in their lives and communities.

Diversity is one of UpRise Nashville’s seven core values, guiding our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and shaping how we recruit, support, and retain staff while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that a truly diverse team enhances our ability to serve marginalized populations and drives innovation by incorporating varied perspectives. 

Diversity of Leadership and Team Composition Our leadership team and staff reflect the communities we serve. More than 60% of our team identify as Black or from other underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. Additionally, over 75% of our workforce identifies as women, many of whom have overcome barriers similar to those faced by our program participants. This shared lived experience strengthens our cultural competency and empathy, ensuring that our programs remain relevant and accessible.

Minimizing Barriers to Opportunity To reduce barriers, we have implemented several key practices:

• Hiring Practices: We actively recruit from diverse talent pools and prioritize candidates with lived experience relevant to our mission.

• Professional Development: UpRise invests in continuous learning opportunities for staff, including leadership training, mentorship, suicide prevention, trauma-informed care, and other workshops that help us better serve our clients.

• Equitable Compensation: Our salary structure is transparent, competitive, and regularly reviewed to ensure fairness across roles and demographics.

• Flexible Work Environment: We recognize the diverse needs of our team and offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and accommodations for caregivers.

Creating an Inclusive Culture Inclusion is cultivated through intentional actions that promote belonging:

• Feedback Mechanisms: We regularly gather staff input and address areas for improvement.

• Embracing Inclusion: UpRise hosts inclusive events and encourages dialogue about identity and equity.

By fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, UpRise creates a supportive environment for our staff and models the transformative change we seek to achieve.

At UpRise Nashville, our business model bridges the gap between economic instability and sustainable, living-wage careers. We achieve this through an integrated approach that combines workforce development, holistic support services, and employer partnerships.

Key Beneficiaries and Services: Our primary beneficiaries face barriers to employment, such as single parents, justice-impacted individuals, and those overcoming addiction. 

UpRise provides:

1. Admissions and Barrier Assessment: Each Leader’s unique circumstances are evaluated to ensure tailored support.

2. Training Camp: A five-week program focused on workplace competencies, digital skills, and personal growth skills.

3. Certification and Career Tracks: Through in-house or partner programs, leaders earn certifications in high-demand fields in less time than most other training programs. These certifications include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (one month)

• Clinical Medical Assistant (three to four months)

• Commercial Driver’s License (one month)

• Dental Assistant (three to four months)

• Medical Billing and Coding (four months)

• Pharmacy Technician (two to four months)

• Office Administration (six weeks)

• Phlebotomy (one month)

• Trades Apprenticeships (Construction, HVAC, Electrical)

These certifications and pathways open doors to high-demand jobs with upward mobility, providing Leaders with sustainable career paths.

4. Career Launch and Coaching: Leaders receive personalized support to secure employment and navigate workplace challenges, with six months of post-placement coaching.

Revenue Streams and Financial Sustainability: Key revenue streams and resources include individual donations (66% of budget), grants from foundations and philanthropic partners (27% of budget), employer partnerships that provide jobs and program guidance, and other partners that provide space and other in-kind donations.

Why Our Solution? UpRise equips individuals with valuable job skills and certifications and contributes to regional economic growth by providing qualified employees to high-demand industry sectors. Our innovative relationship-driven model ensures that Leaders thrive in both career and personal development.

UpRise Nashville is dedicated to long-term sustainability through a multifaceted approach that combines diverse revenue streams and strategic partnerships. Our key funding sources include individual contributions (66%), grants and corporate sponsorships (27%), and operational support from West End Community Church (7%, plus in-kind donations of space and accounting services). We secured over $1,000,000 in grants in 2023 and 2024 (combined), including grants from notable funders such as United Way, the Urban League, the Tennessee Department of Human Services, and Charis Foundation, and we have currently begun a partnership with Elmington, a commercial real estate and affordable housing firm, to seek additional sustainable funding.

To strengthen and expand our revenue, we are enhancing corporate partnerships with employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, scaling our successful in-house certification programs in high-demand fields. We are also expanding our grant writing efforts and the geographical reach of our fundraising.

Our financial model has already shown success. Since 2017, UpRise has grown from serving 19 Leaders annually to 180. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis conducted in 2022 demonstrated a remarkable 775% return, equating to $7.76 for every dollar invested. We have launched hundreds of careers, with graduates achieving an average first-year wage increase of $25,126 (139%!). Our one-year job retention rate of 85% underscores the program's long-term impact.

Looking forward, UpRise is committed to maintaining financial stability by cultivating unrestricted funding, pursuing multi-year grant commitments, and building our reserve fund. Our balanced budget approach and data-driven impact evaluation position us to continue empowering individuals facing significant barriers to employment, creating lasting change for families and communities in Nashville and beyond.

With a track record of success, UpRise is poised for sustainable growth, ensuring that more individuals can break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic independence.

UpRise Nashville is applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to access invaluable resources that will help us expand our capacity and scale our impact. Over the past seven years, we have transformed lives by equipping individuals with the skills and support needed to secure sustainable careers. However, the demand for our services far exceeds our current capacity. In Winter 2025 alone, we received over 600 applications for just 60 available spots.

Support from the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve can help us overcome key barriers, including limited capacity and geographic reach. Specifically, participation in the tailored support program will provide us with:

1. Strategic guidance to refine our scaling strategy and explore expansion into surrounding counties, where the need for economic mobility programs remains high.

2. Valuable partnerships to strengthen our employer network and enhance wraparound services like childcare, transportation, and mental health support.

3. Leadership development through the Truist Leadership Institute Retreat, empowering our team to lead effectively as we grow.

4. Access to funding and in-kind resources to support an additional local cohort, enabling us to serve more individuals seeking life-changing career opportunities.

Working with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve offers a pathway for UpRise to not only meet the rising local demand but also replicate our proven model regionally, fostering greater economic mobility across Middle Tennessee.