At its heart, RISE empowers students to become active, contributing members of society. A key component of the program is providing students with authentic opportunities to participate in their community and build meaningful connections. Through community-based learning, volunteer and paid work experiences, and leisure activities, students apply classroom learning to real-world settings—most notably through the creation of Maple & Main, a retail business opened on November 3, 2023, in the center of Shrewsbury.

Maple & Main serves as a dynamic extension of the classroom, where teachers and students work together to develop essential pre-employment skills such as inventory management, point-of-sale operations, and social communication. The shop offers locally themed merchandise that celebrates Shrewsbury and its schools, along with a variety of unique candies, beverages, and gifts. Community members are encouraged to stop in, shop, and connect with the students’ work firsthand.

RISE is deeply committed to helping each student discover and pursue their individual strengths and interests. Through a combination of volunteer experiences, internships, and paid employment, students gain valuable workplace skills while building relationships with local businesses and organizations. Many students also complete internships in Shrewsbury’s public schools, assisting in cafeterias, offices, and during recess, further strengthening community ties.

Together, RISE and Maple & Main are helping students achieve successful transitions from high school to adulthood—fostering independence, confidence, and a lasting sense of belonging beyond the walls of our schools.

As Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” In Shrewsbury, this compassion shines brightly. Our community’s support for RISE and Maple & Main reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and the belief that every individual has something meaningful to contribute. For that, we are deeply grateful.