UTRGV’s RISE program introduces Valley youth to health care careers

By Saira Cabrera

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – OCT. 2, 2026 – Medical students at the UTRGV School of Medicine are helping children and teens across the Rio Grande Valley explore careers in health care through RISE, a student-led program offering mentorship and hands-on learning.

Short for Reaching, Inspiring and Supporting Excellence for Youth, RISE has reached more than 150 young people through activities ranging from practicing suturing and exploring ultrasound technology to learning how the human body works.

For Natasha Bell, a fourth-year medical student who helped found the initiative, those experiences are opportunities to help young people imagine their futures.

“RISE started with a simple idea — that one experience can change how a student sees their future,” Bell said. “When students can step into these roles and see themselves in them, it builds confidence and opens doors they may not have imagined before.” 

WHERE RISE BEGAN

The idea began in April 2024, inspired by Bell’s previous work with nonprofit organizations and the impact she saw mentorship and educational opportunities have on young students. 

Members of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s RISE board pose beneath the program’s “Welcome to Careers in Care!” presentation. From left are Kassandra Pulido, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Victoria Elizondo, Natasha Bell, Meyer Maddox, Yolanda Gutierrez and Kevin Garcia Valdez. (Courtesy Photo)

It took shape after she attended a mother-daughter community event at UTRGV, where students expressed interest in science and health care but were unsure where to begin or what opportunities were available. 

Bell brought the idea to fellow medical students who shared her passion, and together they created RISE.

Today, the program’s leadership board includes eight School of Medicine students, while its events and initiatives are open to the entire medical student body.

PLANTING SEEDS OF CURIOSITY

That vision came to life in June 2025 through “Careers in Care,” a workshop supported by a Texas Medical Association Community Outreach Grant. Nearly 100 high school students and their families gathered at the UTRGV School of Medicine to explore health professions.

Participants rotated through interactive stations led by students from medicine, nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant studies, gaining firsthand exposure to different health care careers.

In February 2026, RISE partnered with the ENT Student Interest Group to host “Step into Surgery,” where students practiced intubation, laparoscopy and ultrasound techniques.

In May, RISE hosted “The Science of You!” to introduce elementary school students to the human body through hands-on activities and experiments.

Janelly Rodriguez, from Edinburg, whose children attended the event, said these experiences help them explore future possibilities while connecting with health professions students.

“I love having them participate in things like that because they learn something new,” Rodriguez said. “If you can wake up to learn something new, let’s do it.”

BUILDING WHAT’S NEXT

For the UTRGV School of Medicine, initiatives like RISE reflect the broader impact of academic medicine, extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community.

“Our students are not only training to become physicians — they are already leading and serving,” said Dr. Everardo Cobos, dean of the UTRGV School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine and Oncology. “Through efforts like RISE, they are expanding opportunity, strengthening communities and helping shape the future of health care in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.”

RISE’s student leaders plan to build on existing events and pursue additional outreach opportunities throughout the Valley. The group hopes to hold another event in December or January. 

Their goal remains simple: help young people explore health care careers, connect with mentors and gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue their educational goals.

For 9-year-old Arielle Rodriguez, who participated in “The Science of You!” that future could include caring for babies. 

“I want to be a baby doctor because I want people to feel happy,” Arielle said.

“One moment of exposure can spark a lifelong path,” Bell said. “If we can be part of that moment for even one student, then we are doing something that truly matters.”

UTRGV School of Medicine students and volunteers engage young participants in hands-on activities during a RISE outreach event focused on exploring science and health care. Through events like these, RISE gives local youth opportunities to learn about health care careers in an interactive setting. (UTRGV Photo)

UTRGV — The Valley’s University

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is The Valley’s University, deeply rooted in the communities it serves and committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across the region. From keeping a high-quality education affordable and expanding healthcare services to preparing the workforce, advancing research, and supporting economic growth, UTRGV is putting its people, expertise and resources to work for the Rio Grande Valley. The Valley and UTRGV rise together, building a healthier, stronger and more prosperous region.