Since 1979, Youth Rising (formerly known as Workshops for Youth and Families) has served more than 20,000 youth in Arizona by fostering personal leadership and resiliency in both young people and their families through programs that inspire positive growth and change. Workshop’s founder, Frances Mills-Yerger, Ph.D., has presented educational programs for preteens and teens, couples, women, and families for more than 30 years. Each summer, our volunteer staff members conduct four separate weeklong workshops designed to coincide with the developmental trajectory of the youth who attend. Additional one-day programs are also held in the spring and fall. At Youth Rising, we provide a safe, inspiring and fun environment for young people to get to know themselves and their peers. Through our award-winning programs, participants get a social and personal edge in their everyday encounters. They • Strengthen social, emotional and life skills • Build confidence to face conflicting demands and pressures • Reach a higher level of interpersonal leadership • Develop resiliency to handle stress and adversity • Create balance between academics, friends and home. Our facilitators and peer leaders teach social and relationship skills, how to handle peer pressure, conflict resolution, identity development and problem solving; how to express emotions and set personal boundaries, and ways to strengthen family connections and develop individual strength of character.