Rising Stars Program

For Raymondo Antoine, the decision to join Rising Stars’ Achieve Green Program wasn’t part of a grand plan—it was actually a leap of faith. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted something different—something that could give me a real career path,” Raymondo shares. “My high school teacher told me about Rising Stars, and I figured, why not give it a shot?” That small step turned into a transformative experience. Through the program, Raymondo gained hands-on exposure to the construction industry and learned the foundational skills needed to succeed in a skilled trade. By the time he graduated, he had a clear direction and the confidence to pursue it. Today, Raymondo is thriving as a glazing apprentice with the @IUPAT District Council 35 in Boston, Massachusetts. His days are spent installing glass, mirrors and door frames, working alongside experienced professionals who continue to teach and inspire him. Raymondo’s journey is a reminder that taking a chance can be all it takes to unlock opportunities you never imagined. Now, he’s building a future he’s proud of—one project at a time. 💪🏾 #Glazing #ConstructionCareers #DayintheLife #SkilledTrades

🌟 EXCITING NEWS 🌟 David Hutchinson, founding director of Rising Stars, recently sat down with Heidi J. Ellsworth from the Roofing Road Trips podcast to discuss how this incredible initiative is bridging the skills gap and empowering underrepresented youth to build careers in sustainable construction. The full episode drops tomorrow at 8 a.m. ET on RoofersCoffeeShop® 🎙️ Stay tuned for the link here and get ready to hear David share insights on the program's impact, the importance of mentorship and how it's shaping the future of the construction industry. #RisingStars #RoofingRoadTrips #ConstructionCareers

From Rising Star to commercial roofing technician, Michael Moore's journey is inspirational. Michael first heard about Rising Stars through his mother’s boyfriend, who owns a remodeling business. He joined with a clear vision: to build a foundation in construction that would eventually set him apart in real estate, his long-term dream career. As a 2022 graduate of our Rising Stars Program, Michael has taken every opportunity to go above and beyond throughout his training. And today, he is thriving as part of Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance’s WTI team in Florida. But relocating from New York to Florida wasn’t without its challenges. “In all honesty, the first week in the heat was really brutal, and it took a lot of mental fortitude to keep getting back on the roof,” Michael shares. “But I pulled through, and I’m proud of myself for that. Now I sometimes even wear a sweater on the roof!” For Michael, the Rising Stars Program was truly a turning point. It has given him hands-on experience in different areas of construction, a strong network of mentors, and the confidence to launch a career in an industry where his skills are in high demand. Stay tuned to learn more about Michael’s life in the field, the lessons he’s learned, and how he’s building a future for himself in the sustainable construction industry. #Roofing #ConstructionCareers #DayintheLife #SkilledTrades

As we wrap up 2024, we want to wish everyone a joyful and festive holiday season 🎄✨ It’s been an incredible year of growth, learning and hands-on experiences with our amazing students. We are so proud of everything they’ve achieved and can’t wait to continue supporting their journeys in the New Year. Thank you to all of our partners, mentors and supporters who make this program possible. Your dedication helps pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders. Here’s to a bright new year full of opportunities and exciting adventures! See you in 2025 💪🏾 #HappyHolidays #RisingStars #SeeYouIn2025

Looks like Kevin McCaskill couldn’t wait! Some exciting news coming in 2025!!

Our mission at Rising Stars is all about connecting young people with real opportunities in the construction industry—and giving them the agency to choose the best path forward. Through networking events, industry exposure and a supportive platform, we open their eyes to the many possibilities that exist. From internships and job opportunities in engineering, architecture and carpentry to roofing and beyond, Rising Stars provides hands-on experiences in every sector. We ensure that every opportunity introduced is attainable, helping students chart a clear path to success. This program isn’t just about learning—it’s about empowering the next generation of industry professionals to take control of their futures. 💪🏾 #RisingStars #FutureOfConstruction #EmpowerYouth

🚧 COMING SOON 🚧 Next month, we’ll be kicking off our “My Life in the Field” campaign, spotlighting the inspiring journeys of Rising Stars grads as they take on real-world challenges in the construction industry. You’ll meet Michael Moore, a 2022 Rising Star who’s now a commercial roofing technician in Florida, and Raymondo Antione, a 2024 Achieve Green graduate and glazing apprentice in Boston. Through their stories, we’ll provide a behind-the-scenes look at the skills, hard work and determination that are shaping the future of construction. Stay tuned to follow their journeys and see how the Rising Stars Program is empowering the next generation of trades professionals. 🛠️ 💪🏾 #RisingStars #ConstructionCareers #MyLifeInTheField

Meet Angelena Edwards, EIT, PMP, Deputy Director—Entrepreneurship Special Interest Group and Board Advisor—2025 Region 1 Collegiate & Professional at the National Society of Black Engineers. 🌟 As a dedicated partner of the #RisingStars Program, Angelena is making a significant impact in our community. Through NSBE, she has provided invaluable speakers who offer insights into engineering, encouragement for completing college education, and highlight the growing demand for skilled trade professionals in construction. Angelena is committed to being a positive role model, particularly for Black women in the field. She actively works to expose interested students to scholarships and resources that can help them succeed. Her passion for mentorship and community empowerment is truly inspiring. Thank you, Angelena, for your unwavering support in nurturing the next generation of leaders in engineering and construction!

Meet Aaron Dean Dean, CEO of the Borough of Brooklyn Center for Arts & Technology, a proud employment partner for the #RisingStars Program! 🌟 At BoBCAT, Aaron and his team are dedicated to helping individuals without college degrees build sustainable, living-wage careers in NYC. Through BoBCAT’s Soft Skills Training program, participants gain essential job-search skills, from resume writing and interviewing to public speaking and professional workplace interactions. BoBCAT also equips students with foundational financial literacy, covering budgeting, saving and asset allocation to help them manage their future earnings. For the past two years, BoBCAT has collaborated with Rising Stars, leading students in financial literacy discussions to emphasize not only career success but also financial empowerment. Thank you, Aaron and the BoBCAT team, for your commitment to empowering Rising Stars students with the skills they need to build fulfilling, financially stable careers!

Our Rising Stars Program is shifting the way we think about education and career exploration in the construction industry. 💪🏾 Post-COVID, students are moving away from the traditional classroom setting. To capture their interest and help them thrive, we’re focusing on hands-on industry experiences. By exposing them to real-world opportunities, we’re helping them discover what truly excites them. This program provides an incredible opportunity for students to connect with local organizations, explore construction-related career paths and meet industry professionals who can guide them. As a generation that’s seen the limitations of conventional education, students are eager for something different. Rising Stars is here to deliver that—helping them unlock their full potential and discover the paths that are right for them after graduation. #RisingStars #EmpowerYouth #CareerExploration