RISE Research

RISE has a strong research component led by some of Canada’s most recognized experts in the field including Dr. Debra Pepler and Dr. Jennifer Connelly from The LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution at York University.

Support from the Wellesley Central Health Corporation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) has allowed for research to be conducted on the outcomes of the RISE model.  This research examines the ways in which a youth engagement model produces positive outcomes for students “at-risk” of a variety of social, emotional and behavioral problems related to violence.

Data from the RISE program evaluation indicated that students were more knowledgeable about healthy and unhealthy relationships, less likely to have been subjected to dating violence, and had less accepting attitudes toward dating violence after RISE workshops and activities had been held in their schools.

Rates of bullying victimization among students also declined after receiving the RISE program, and suspension rates also declined in RISE schools from 17% to 4.6% from the first to second year of the program.

Currently, the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO will be providing support to conduct a comprehensive outcome evaluation of the RISE Program.