Funded by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), RISE-UP (Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable Economies via University Partnerships) is a multi-year initiative fostering collaboration between the University of Alaska, University of Hawaii, and University of Rhode Island. Despite their similar population sizes and economic challenges, each state plays a crucial role in the national security and maritime economy of the U.S. Under this initiative, the universities are facilitating student exchange opportunities and establishing an inter-state mentorship network. This collaborative effort aims to enrich participants’ learning and development journeys by exposing them to real-world problems in real-time, guided by mentors from diverse states, industries, and sectors.