DucksRISE

ducksrise students sitting at table and interacting

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about

DucksRISE (Research Internship & Student Engagement) was a cohort-based career readiness initiative for BIPOC, first general, and/or low-income undergraduate students. The program was established in early 2022 with a one-year Beyond Completion Challenge grant from the Strada Education Network. 

Rooted in the commitment to holistic student success, DucksRISE offered enrolled students wraparound support, fosters a vibrant community and sense of well-being and belonging, and helps students develop professional competencies and provides networking opportunities. 

by the numbers
78

students served
8

internship placements
32 

funded research fellowships
program highlights
  • DucksRISE students this year represented 36 different disciplines from seven of the UO’s schools and colleges. 
  • The students in the cohort were 82 percent BIPOC, 54 percent first-generation college students, and 58 percent Pell Grant-eligible.
  • Enrolled students completed a one-credit readiness seminar during fall term, that included discussion of NACE competencies, resume building and online presence management, research methodologies, and considerations for graduate school.
  • The program integrated career exploration, through structured internships with the Portland Internship Experience (PIE) program and a network of community and regional partners, and fosters engagement and belonging through experiential learning opportunities, including faculty-mentored research fellowships.
  • Students developed public speaking and presentation skills by showcasing their research, creative work, and internship experiences and findings at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
  • DucksRISE partners with student-facing programs across the UO to help students engage with opportunities, including study abroad, undergraduate research, distinguished scholarships, tutoring and academic advising, and career center support.
  • To develop a sense of belonging, the program organized a wide range of co-curricular programming and also hired past cohort members to serve as peer mentors.
DucksRISE student Dim Dim, class of 2025, presenting her research on outdoor therapy at the Scholars Recognition Day Research Event

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DucksRISE student Dim Dim, class of 2025, presenting her research on outdoor therapy at the Scholars Recognition Day Research Event.

Student Testimonials

“Through DucksRISE, I gained the confidence to seize opportunities, such as securing my first research grant and completing a complex research project. This experience reinforced the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and adaptability, qualities I developed while navigating my initial challenges as a student.”

Brianne Arca, Multidisciplinary Sciences, Class of 2025

“By being in this program, I got to learn about so many people from different backgrounds than myself. A community was formed as we bonded over the struggles we shared and learned about the world from new perspectives.”

Larissa Vandehey, Environmental Studies and History, Class of 2025  

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