Our Mission

Rise KC is rooted in two simple facts:

• There is a nursing shortage in the United States. (Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing)

• The unemployment rate is higher for African-American men than any other group in the United States. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor)

The solution is also simple: get black men into nursing jobs. But many hurdles stand in the way of achieving that goal. For those who come from low-income backgrounds, financial setbacks can permanently derail an otherwise promising future. Many aspiring nurses work two, or even three, jobs while putting themselves through school — and still fall behind on rent and utilities. Other talented candidates drop out because a large tax bill hits, or their vehicle breaks down. Still others never apply because they lack the time or ability to navigate the bureaucratic maze of financial and academic requirements.

Rise KC identifies black men in the Kansas City area who are struggling with these challenges and eases the financial burden of getting through nursing school. Then we help place them in well-paying jobs that will set them up for success in the profession.