This award provides funding to East Carolina University (ECU) to implement Phase 2 of the RISE29 program, which was launched primarily in Beaufort, Hyde, Martin, and Pitt counties through the support of a 2019 Golden LEAF award. For Phase 2, ECU proposes targeting rural counties not previously engaged in the project. Student teams will support the growth of existing small businesses in partnering communities. Community Asset Mapping, a key new facet of RISE29 and a prerequisite for Phase 2 engagement, is expected to assess the readiness of a project or community to engage with an intern team. Expected outcomes include 75 new full-time jobs created and 60 students engaged in work-based learning opportunities over a three-year period. Golden LEAF funds will be used for a graduate assistant, faculty stipends, student internships, travel, asset mapping/meetings, and outreach/marketing.
