The RISE initiative is a career and personal development program designed by Prism Technical Institute for MMSD. The program is a crucial opportunity to address the under-representation of some ethnic minorities in the science and engineering industry sectors. While all students are welcome, the program targets talented students of color, who were Sewer Service Area (SSA) residents at the time of
their high school graduation, and are currently engaged in science or engineering coursework at an institution in the United States, ultimately leading to a Bachelor of Science degree or higher. The SSA surrounds the City of Milwaukee, WI and includes several surrounding suburban communities. Selected students are placed in paid summer internships with engineering firms, project consultants and contractors affiliated with the District, however, the work the students do may or may not be related to MMSD operations. The goal of the program is to have a two year internship experience for students and employers leading to a professional relationship upon graduation. However, there are no requirements for students or employers to maintain their affiliation.
