Amy Mesplay, Manager of Project Reaching for Independent Successful Employment (Project RISE), received a two-year (Jan. 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2027) grant from The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation for the Project RISE program.

Project RISE is an initiative at Children’s Mercy that empowers individuals of all abilities by connecting them with meaningful employment and volunteer opportunities that foster independence and purpose. The newest addition to the program is “Pioneers in Pediatric Care – Project RISE,” which solely focuses on providing paid internships in various Children’s Mercy departments.

This grant will allow Mesplay and her team to continue helping current and former Children’s Mercy patients with disabilities or chronic health conditions build the skills, confidence and experience needed to become career ready through paid internships. Project RISE considers an intern’s interests and matches them to healthcare opportunities where they can benefit from intriguing hands-on experience related to their preferences. Positions vary according to department availability, requirements and intern preferences, but options may include maintenance, patient activities, guest services, clinic support and much more.

While some trainings depend on the position, these internships help students build both technical and soft skills. During this project period, Project RISE will host eight interns per year with a minimum age of 18 years old.

“Inclusive employment isn’t just about creating opportunities it’s about creating belonging,” said Mesplay. “By offering internships that build career readiness, we empower former patients to return to the place that once cared for them, now as valued team members making a difference in the lives of others.”

For more information on whether you qualify and how to apply for an internship, visit Project RISE's page or fill out this form.