May 18, 2001

For many people, there is no greater career inspiration than the promise of embarking upon a bright future in a rewarding field. For 12 proud graduates, that promise was cause for celebration at the 15th Project RISE commencement, held at 185 Charles River Plaza May 11.

Project RISE (Reaching Individuals Striving for Excellence) is a federally-funded pre-employment and training program, sponsored by Partners. The program focuses on the dual goals of assisting individuals in moving up the career ladder and addressing the staff shortage crisis in the health care industry. At the ceremony, Cheryl Locke, vice president of Human Resources for BWH, described Project RISE as an exciting opportunity for Boston residents interested in pursuing health care careers. She announced that Partners is making a commitment to hire and promote 50 radiology technicians, and also will incorporate 25 paid internships for Boston area youth, a short-term ESL (English as a Second Language) program for health care workers and 20 scholarships for staff studying to become nurses or nursing assistants.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was the special guest speaker and noted the graduates' significant accomplishments in his address. "It truly is inspiring to see these 12 individuals working so hard, overcoming all odds, showing such dedication and strength of character," he said. "Since Project RISE started, it has led to 80 placements in Partners hospitals. And Partners' commitment is why it is so successful."

Mayor Menino congratulates Dionne Williams, who completed her training program with MGH Pediatric Cardiology.