“The College of the Florida Keys is an exemplary RISE Up partner, utilizing the training program to provide its students with the knowledge and skillset to navigate their entrance into the workforce and secure jobs in retail and elsewhere."
WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation today announced The College of the Florida Keys as the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year. Presented by Old Navy, the award recognizes the college for its success with the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up training and credentialing program in Key West and for expanding the program across Florida.
“The College of the Florida Keys is an exemplary RISE Up partner, utilizing the training program to provide its students with the knowledge and skillset to navigate their entrance into the workforce and secure jobs in retail and elsewhere,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Adam Lukoskie said. “The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize The College of the Florida Keys as the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the Year.”
The RISE Up program has been implemented into the college’s inclusive post-secondary education Project ACCESS (Accessing Community College Educational experiences, Social experiences and Skills for careers) program, helping prepare students with intellectual disabilities and autism for the professional world. Project ACCESS has taught RISE Up trainings across its courses since 2017, with students applying the teachings in the classroom and assignments like interviewing store associates to learn more about day-to-day operations.
“Project ACCESS serves students with autism and intellectual disabilities, helping them achieve workforce readiness,” The College of the Florida Keys college success faculty Dr. Nina Medyk said. “The NRF Foundation’s RISE Up curriculum is instrumental, especially for students with unique abilities, in providing opportunities for inclusion in the retail industry and elsewhere.”
“It’s a monumental recognition for The College of the Florida Keys to be named the 2025 RISE Up Partner of the year,” said The College of the Florida Keys President and CEO Dr. Jonathan N. Gueverra. “Thank you to the retail industry for embracing this opportunity to give individuals who may not ordinarily have a chance to participate in the labor force.”
The 2025 NRF Foundation RISE Up Partner of the Year will be celebrated at the NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on Jan. 12. The event will be co-hosted by Macy’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO and NRF Foundation Board Chairman Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and NRF Board Chairman John Furner.
Launched in 2017, the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up program is currently offered by more than 3,500 partners nationwide.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org