Upward Roots was founded to empower youth to be leaders and changemakers through youth-led, youth-driven community service.
We believe that each and every young person can be a positive changemaker in their community. We provide the space, place, and structure for young people to activate their changemaking abilities. Through collaboratively designing and leading community service solutions to problems they are most passionate about, participants understand and share the feelings of others, know that their actions matter, and believe that they are effective leaders.
youth roots program
We have two curricula, designed for 4th and 5th and 6th-8th grade students, who engage in a dynamic program focused on leadership and community service, promoting the idea that each and every young person can be a positive changemaker in their community.
The programs run for 10-12 weeks, afterschool, during the fall and spring. Participants identify issues they are passionate about in their communities and design and implement youth-led service projects to support those needs. Throughout the program, participants develop social emotional skills such as empathy, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. Not only are students empowered as a result of this service experience, they inspire others to be changemakers, too.
Questions about this program?
We would love to provide you with more information.
collaborative partnerships
Currently, we are deepening partnerships at select Oakland title 1 public schools. Right now, we are building something awesome and integrated from school day to afterschool at Fred T. Korematsu Discovery Academy in East Oakland.
Because we have a shared vision and mission for what student-led action and project-based learning can be and do for young people in Oakland, we are piloting our Sprouts Rise program with classroom teachers there, while we continue our Youth Roots program partnership during out of school time.
Questions about this program?
We would love to provide you with more information.
