GLENDORA, Calif. – The Lakers Youth Foundation has announced that the Citrus College Research In Science and Engineering (RISE) Team is one of five finalists selected to compete for its January 2014 $5,000 YOU Grant.

Through an online voting process, members of the public are invited to cast their vote for one of the finalists at www.nba.com/lakers/community/yougrant.

The voting period ends at noon on Friday, Jan. 31. Only one vote can be submitted and a valid email account is required.

The finalist with the highest number of votes at the end of the voting period will win the $5,000 grant and two lower-level tickets to a Lakers home game to be used for the ceremonial check presentation.

The Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation’s goal is to assist nonprofit community organizations that promote education, teamwork and self-esteem.

RISE is an undergraduate research program that consists of 22 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Citrus College students who work on special projects of interest. They also spread their knowledge and enthusiasm about science and engineering to elementary and middle school students in Southern California.

The three teams that make up RISE – the Rocket Owls, Space Owls and CAPE Owls – each work independently on a STEM-based research project and compete in intercollegiate national and international competitions, as well as conduct monthly outreach activities to local K-8 schools.