FAQs - PACE SkillRISE

What is the PACE SkillRISE program?

PACE SkillRISE is a project-based internship program with The University of California, Merced, in partnership with Riipen. The program allows students to engage in practical, real-world experiences within key sectors such as Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Project Management. Students will gain valuable insights into career pathways while enhancing their confidence, industry readiness, and ability to contribute meaningfully in professional environments.

Who is eligible to participate?

Open to Community College and adult learners who have:

What are the program dates?

Please see the dates below:

How long are the projects?

The expected duration and weekly time commitment per project varies. Please see the breakdown below:

Do students receive any compensation?

Yes, Students will receive a stipend at the end of their project, paid directly by Riipen.

20 hour projects will receive a $500 stipend.

40 hour projects will receive a $1000 stipend.

How are student teams formed?

Teams of 5 students will be assigned to projects by a PACE SkillRISE administrator, based on their completed course or certificate.

Can students choose their projects?

No, the PACE SkillRISE assigns students to projects based on their completed courses or certificates in areas of Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy/Solar, and Project Management. This ensures strong alignment between student expertise and project needs, leading to meaningful outcomes for both students and employers.

What kind of support is available to participants?

Riipen provides additional support through onboarding sessions before starting projects. Throughout the program, employers will provide 5 hours of mentorship, and students can reach out for assistance via the platform
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What is the PACE SkillRISE program?

PACE SkillRISE is a project-based internship program with The University of California, Merced, in partnership with Riipen. The program allows students to engage in practical, real-world experiences within key sectors such as Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Project Management. Students will gain valuable insights into career pathways while enhancing their confidence, industry readiness, and ability to contribute meaningfully in professional environments.
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Who can participate as an employer?

Employers based in the US looking to access student talent in Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, and Project Management.

What is the process for signing up as an employer?

What kind of projects can be posted?

Projects must be related to skill development in the following areas. Projects can be

Check out our website for more information.
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What is the duration of the projects?

The expected duration and weekly time commitment per project varies. Please see the breakdown below:

How many projects can I submit and how many students can I take on?

There’s no limit to how many projects an employer can submit to the PACE SkillRISE program. The students will be assigned in teams of 5, directly to the project through the program. That being said, we ask that you be mindful of the amount of projects you submit to the program, to ensure you can dedicate appropriate time to each student.

What if my project requires more than the allotted hours?

Projects are assigned teams of 5 students, which means your project should be able to be completed in 100 or 200 hours in total, depending on the project area. If you think you will need more than this we recommend splitting the work and posting multiple projects to work with more than one PACE SkillRISE team.

Can I bring my own students?

Employers cannot bring their own students to the program, as all students need to have completed the correct course or certificate before entering the Riipen platform.
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​How many students will I be matched with?
You will be matched with 5 students per matched project.

What support is available for employers?

Riipen provides onboarding support for employers, and you will receive help throughout the project duration to ensure a smooth process. Additionally, you can visit the Resources section on the Riipen platform for helpful tools, best practices, and templates to support your project planning and communication.
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If you have questions please contact us via the Riipen platform or email us at pace.ucmerced@riipen.com. We’re here to help!

Am I required to pay participants?

No, PACE SkillRISE is a fully subsidized program. On successfully completing an employer project, each student is paid a $500 stipend for 20 hour projects, and $1000 stipend for 40 hour projects. Stipends are paid by Riipen.

Still have questions? Reach out to us via live-chat in the avocado found in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen or via email at pace.ucmerced@riipen.com