Rise & Lead is an 8-month, nonpartisan leadership development program designed to help emerging leaders from immigrant and minority communities build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in public life and community decision-making. Through civic education, leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of how local government, public institutions, and systems of power operate, while developing practical tools for advocacy, public engagement, and community leadership.

Grounded in an accompaniment model, Rise & Lead combines classroom learning with real-world civic immersion, including opportunities to observe public meetings, engage with community leaders, and explore the historical and social forces that shape our communities. Participants leave the program better prepared to serve on boards and commissions, engage in policy discussions, advocate for their communities, and step into leadership roles with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to building more inclusive and representative systems.

Program Details

• Duration: 8 months

• Frequency: Two sessions per month

• Format: Workshops, civic immersion, board observation, mentorship, and experiential learning

• Approach: Educational, nonpartisan, mentorship-based, and experiential

The 2026 Rise & Lead Program is currently underway. For consideration in the 2027 Rise & Lead Cohort:

• Applications for the 2027 Rise & Lead Cohort are now open, which will begin in January 2027.

• Interested individuals may use this link to apply: Rise and Lead Participant Application.

• Applicants will be notified in November 2026 if they have been selected to begin the program in January 2027.

For for information about the Rise & Lead Program, please contact CIP’s Director of Legal Services & Civic Engagement, Jael Mejia.