🌟 FGCU R.I.S.E. Transition Fair 2025 Friday, November 1 | 9:30 AM – 3 PM | Cohen Center Ballroom Setup: 9:30AM--11AM Fair: 11AM--2PM Wrap-up: 2PM--3PM Discover how you can make an impact while expanding your professional network! The FGCU R.I.S.E. Transition Fair brings together community organizations, service providers, and educators from across Southwest Florida to showcase pathways for adults with intellectual disabilities to thrive after high school. Whether you’re a student seeking service-learning hours, exploring a career in education, psychology, social work, or human services, or simply want to get involved in creating a better campus and community, this is your chance to connect and learn. Absolutely—here’s a clear “Your Responsibilities” section you can drop into the event page. Your Responsibilities (for students earning service-learning hours) Professional readiness: wear FGCU-appropriate attire, bring water, and be prepared to stand/walk. Greet & guide guests to booths, sessions, restrooms, quiet spaces, and accessibility routes. Vendor support: help with light setup, line flow, materials restock, and tech basics (QR codes, sign-ins). Help with breakdown (signage, table materials, lost & found). Communication & conduct Be courteous, solution-oriented, and mindful of accessibility. Keep your phone silenced (use only for event tasks). You can choose to stay for the entire fair, or you can also attend only the setup, the fair itself, or the wrap-up. 🧩 What to Expect: Meet dozens of local agencies, employers, and advocacy groups working in disability services and community inclusion. Explore how transition programs like FGCU R.I.S.E. help students gain independence, employment experience, and college life skills. Network with professionals and peers passionate about education, equity, and accessibility. Learn how you can support these efforts through peer mentoring, volunteering, and service-learning projects. Enjoy interactive booths, giveaways, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates inclusion and collaboration. 💡 Why Attend? Earn verified service-learning hours for your involvement. Build valuable connections with local organizations and future employers. Get inspired by real stories of empowerment, independence, and growth. Be part of a university-wide movement that champions accessibility and opportunity for all.

Volunteer for Sidelines, a weekly support session designed to support FGCU R.I.S.E. students. (It stands for Real Independence, Successful Employment, a two-year program at FGCU for students with intellectual disabilities.) The event takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting August 27th until December 3rd. Tentative location: Merwin Hall, Room 120. Each Sidelines session includes time for students to update their calendars with upcoming campus events and activities, complete homework with support, and participate in a reflective group discussion where they share their experiences and ideas. Traditional FGCU students can volunteer as peer partners during these sessions and help foster a welcoming and empowering environment. We currently serve two cohorts of R.I.S.E. students, with a total of 9 participants. Volunteers who attend and contribute to Sidelines will earn service-learning hours. Be a part of something meaningful—support your peers and make a difference! FAQ for Students Interested in Volunteering   Q: Do I need any experience working with students with disabilities? A: Not at all! Just bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to listen, encourage, and participate.   Q: What will I actually be doing during Sidelines? A: You’ll sit with students as they update their calendars, help them stay organized, assist with homework if needed, and participate in a group conversation about their week. It’s about support, not tutoring.   Q: Will I receive service-learning hours? A: Yes! All time spent volunteering at Sidelines counts toward your service-learning requirement.   Q: How long are the sessions? A: Each session is about 60–90 minutes, depending on their to-do lists.   Q: Can I come once or do I need to commit weekly? A: We welcome both! Consistent participation is great, but even one-time volunteers can make a difference.

Volunteer for Sidelines, a weekly support session designed to support FGCU R.I.S.E. students. (It stands for Real Independence, Successful Employment, a two-year program at FGCU for students with intellectual disabilities.) The event takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting August 27th until December 3rd. Tentative location: Merwin Hall, Room 120. Each Sidelines session includes time for students to update their calendars with upcoming campus events and activities, complete homework with support, and participate in a reflective group discussion where they share their experiences and ideas. Traditional FGCU students can volunteer as peer partners during these sessions and help foster a welcoming and empowering environment. We currently serve two cohorts of R.I.S.E. students, with a total of 9 participants. Volunteers who attend and contribute to Sidelines will earn service-learning hours. Be a part of something meaningful—support your peers and make a difference! FAQ for Students Interested in Volunteering   Q: Do I need any experience working with students with disabilities? A: Not at all! Just bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to listen, encourage, and participate.   Q: What will I actually be doing during Sidelines? A: You’ll sit with students as they update their calendars, help them stay organized, assist with homework if needed, and participate in a group conversation about their week. It’s about support, not tutoring.   Q: Will I receive service-learning hours? A: Yes! All time spent volunteering at Sidelines counts toward your service-learning requirement.   Q: How long are the sessions? A: Each session is about 60–90 minutes, depending on their to-do lists.   Q: Can I come once or do I need to commit weekly? A: We welcome both! Consistent participation is great, but even one-time volunteers can make a difference.

Volunteer for Sidelines, a weekly support session designed to support FGCU R.I.S.E. students. (It stands for Real Independence, Successful Employment, a two-year program at FGCU for students with intellectual disabilities.) The event takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting August 27th until December 3rd. Tentative location: Merwin Hall, Room 120. Each Sidelines session includes time for students to update their calendars with upcoming campus events and activities, complete homework with support, and participate in a reflective group discussion where they share their experiences and ideas. Traditional FGCU students can volunteer as peer partners during these sessions and help foster a welcoming and empowering environment. We currently serve two cohorts of R.I.S.E. students, with a total of 9 participants. Volunteers who attend and contribute to Sidelines will earn service-learning hours. Be a part of something meaningful—support your peers and make a difference! FAQ for Students Interested in Volunteering   Q: Do I need any experience working with students with disabilities? A: Not at all! Just bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to listen, encourage, and participate.   Q: What will I actually be doing during Sidelines? A: You’ll sit with students as they update their calendars, help them stay organized, assist with homework if needed, and participate in a group conversation about their week. It’s about support, not tutoring.   Q: Will I receive service-learning hours? A: Yes! All time spent volunteering at Sidelines counts toward your service-learning requirement.   Q: How long are the sessions? A: Each session is about 60–90 minutes, depending on their to-do lists.   Q: Can I come once or do I need to commit weekly? A: We welcome both! Consistent participation is great, but even one-time volunteers can make a difference.

Volunteer for Sidelines, a weekly support session designed to support FGCU R.I.S.E. students. (It stands for Real Independence, Successful Employment, a two-year program at FGCU for students with intellectual disabilities.) The event takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting August 27th until December 3rd. Tentative location: Merwin Hall, Room 120. Each Sidelines session includes time for students to update their calendars with upcoming campus events and activities, complete homework with support, and participate in a reflective group discussion where they share their experiences and ideas. Traditional FGCU students can volunteer as peer partners during these sessions and help foster a welcoming and empowering environment. We currently serve two cohorts of R.I.S.E. students, with a total of 9 participants. Volunteers who attend and contribute to Sidelines will earn service-learning hours. Be a part of something meaningful—support your peers and make a difference! FAQ for Students Interested in Volunteering   Q: Do I need any experience working with students with disabilities? A: Not at all! Just bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to listen, encourage, and participate.   Q: What will I actually be doing during Sidelines? A: You’ll sit with students as they update their calendars, help them stay organized, assist with homework if needed, and participate in a group conversation about their week. It’s about support, not tutoring.   Q: Will I receive service-learning hours? A: Yes! All time spent volunteering at Sidelines counts toward your service-learning requirement.   Q: How long are the sessions? A: Each session is about 60–90 minutes, depending on their to-do lists.   Q: Can I come once or do I need to commit weekly? A: We welcome both! Consistent participation is great, but even one-time volunteers can make a difference.

Volunteer for Sidelines, a weekly support session designed to support FGCU R.I.S.E. students. (It stands for Real Independence, Successful Employment, a two-year program at FGCU for students with intellectual disabilities.) The event takes place every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting August 27th until December 3rd. Tentative location: Merwin Hall, Room 120. Each Sidelines session includes time for students to update their calendars with upcoming campus events and activities, complete homework with support, and participate in a reflective group discussion where they share their experiences and ideas. Traditional FGCU students can volunteer as peer partners during these sessions and help foster a welcoming and empowering environment. We currently serve two cohorts of R.I.S.E. students, with a total of 9 participants. Volunteers who attend and contribute to Sidelines will earn service-learning hours. Be a part of something meaningful—support your peers and make a difference! FAQ for Students Interested in Volunteering   Q: Do I need any experience working with students with disabilities? A: Not at all! Just bring a respectful attitude and a willingness to listen, encourage, and participate.   Q: What will I actually be doing during Sidelines? A: You’ll sit with students as they update their calendars, help them stay organized, assist with homework if needed, and participate in a group conversation about their week. It’s about support, not tutoring.   Q: Will I receive service-learning hours? A: Yes! All time spent volunteering at Sidelines counts toward your service-learning requirement.   Q: How long are the sessions? A: Each session is about 60–90 minutes, depending on their to-do lists.   Q: Can I come once or do I need to commit weekly? A: We welcome both! Consistent participation is great, but even one-time volunteers can make a difference.