Celebrating the 1st RISE Summer College Readiness Event

RISE To The Top! is The University of Southern Mississippi’s 4-year inclusive postsecondary education certificate program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities that focuses on student life, academics, employment preparation and community engagement. July 9-10, 2025 was the first ever RISE Summer College Readiness event, designed to introduce potential and incoming students to the RISE To The Top! program and college life through firsthand and educational experiences.

This special event allowed students to experience college life firsthand through a campus tour, on-campus transportation navigation, an overnight stay in a residential hall, and participation in a mock college class. While on campus, students learned about USM traditions and explored the differences between high school and college. IDS staff taught students essential skills and tips to prepare for the transition to college and how to navigate disability services available to them.

For more information on the RISE To The Top! Program, contact Danielle Mullins, Executive Coordinator for Transition Services, at 601.266.5962 or alyssa.parks@usm.edu.