The need

we believe that every young person has the capacity and deserves the opportunity to create positive change in their communities

Despite the value of service learning, only 40% of Oakland youth report having the opportunity to meaningfully engage with their community. We see this as an opportunity. Through community service, young people improve academically, grow personally, and become active citizens.

Upward Roots enables youth to be the solution to problems and inequities they see and experience directly. Youth engage socially, emotionally, and civically, thinking critically about their communities and determine their own positive community action. We hope to inspire a culture of youth service from within, empowering these young people as changemakers in their communities.

Benefits of Service Learning for Youth

Experience greater commitment to learning and better school attendance, grades, and academic success than low-income students who did not participate

Demonstrate more positive civic attitudes and behaviors than their peers who do not volunteer

Almost 40% more likely to believe they can make a difference in their community

Volunteering improves career and workforce readiness

When young people engage civically, they become more connected to their communities and peers—realizing their ability to act.

Service learning leads to increased academic engagement and success.

People who volunteer when they are young are more likely to volunteer and vote as adults.

“UPWARD ROOTS…makes me happy and it makes me feel like I will be part [of] school and because seeing all of these faces smiling and us helping we can always make a difference in the world and love one another and keep our community together…This has changed my life and...I LOVE UPWARD ROOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
5th grade Changemaker

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