Each summer, incoming junior class students gather at the College of Central Florida in Citrus County for a transformative two-day experience known as Summer RISE. More than just a college prep program, Summer RISE is a collaborative community effort to open doors, broaden horizons, and set young people on a path toward success.
In July, the Class of 2026 participated in this annual event, diving into workshops on college applications, financial aid, interview skills, resume writing, and more. The goal is to equip students with real-world tools and knowledge that often aren’t taught in a traditional classroom.
“The opportunities are endless. They have the ability to be able to achieve anything,” said Phil McLeod, Crystal River High School principal.
These opportunities aren’t created in isolation. Summer RISE is made possible through a network of dedicated partners — Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers, the Citrus County Education Foundation, the College of Central Florida, Publix, Withlacoochee Technical College, and the YMCA — all working together to ensure students see a future worth investing in.
“It’s so exciting to see it grow and to see the number of people that feel like they want to invest in our kids,” said Janet Mulligan, a retired school counselor and board member for Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers.
The heart of Summer RISE lies in its community. Local leaders, volunteers, and professionals step in to share knowledge and personal stories, transforming what could be a textbook lesson into real-life inspiration. Students don’t just listen — they engage.
“I got really good advice on life in general, and I also learned how to apply for different things like scholarships, stuff like that that I didn’t know how to do beforehand,” said Brylee Hugar, a rising senior at Citrus High School. “It’s been really helpful.”
These aren’t just surface-level benefits. Programs like Summer RISE reach students who might otherwise fall through the cracks. With 804 students in Citrus County identified as homeless, and 85 seniors qualified under the McKinney-Vento Act this past year, events like these serve as a lifeline. (Data provided by Citrus County School District).
“We had to work with them and their families in order to provide the support needed for them to move on to college,” said Patrick Simon, Director of the Citrus County Coalition for College and Careers. “The opportunity for them to meet leaders in our community and have conversations and interview — they feel as though what they feared is no longer a fear.”
For many, Summer RISE is more than just an event — it’s a defining moment.
“RISE really clarified what path I want to take in life,” shared Raj Patel, a rising senior at Lecanto High School. “I was really divided, but talking in that mock interview with the interviewer really helped me decide what I really want to do.”
“Summer RISE is probably one of the best, if not the best program I’ve ever been to for college prep,” added Rafe Nichols, another student participant from Lecanto High School.
Programs like this not only change student lives — they energize the entire community. When businesses, nonprofits, schools, and volunteers come together with a shared mission, the ripple effect is undeniable.
“What has been done by the leadership of this program is that they have given this great avenue for volunteers to come together and share their expertise,” said Jerry Mulligan, YMCA board member. “It’s an amazing use of a really good asset that we have in Citrus County.”
This is the cycle of investment that keeps a community strong. By preparing students to succeed, Citrus County is preparing itself to thrive.
“Our future doctors, our future health professionals of any kind are sitting in the classrooms today,” said Shaunda Burdette, executive director from the Education Foundation of Citrus County. “If we invest in those individuals who will then come back and invest and take care of us, that cycle continues in a very positive manner.”
Summer RISE is a shining example of what happens when a community pulls together to invest in its future. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration, Citrus County is preparing students for college and their future.