Our Programs

Supporting Students From Where They Are to Where They Want to Go


At ROOTS to Academic Excellence, we understand that every student’s journey is different. Our programs provide educational guidance, mentorship, college and career preparation, financial aid support, and connections to community resources. We work alongside students and families to help them understand their options, access resources, overcome barriers, and confidently take their next steps.

College Access & Financial Aid

Making College More Accessible

and Easier to Navigate

Preparing for college can involve applications, deadlines, financial aid, scholarships, enrollment requirements, and many important decisions.


ROOTS helps students and families understand the process and take it one step at a time.


Support may include:

• Exploring colleges and educational programs

• College application guidance

• FAFSA and WASFA support

• Scholarship search guidance

• Understanding admissions requirements

• Identifying important deadlines

• Enrollment and next-step support

• Connecting with college resources


ROOTS provides educational guidance and does not guarantee admission, financial aid eligibility, scholarships, or financial awards.

Academic Advising & Mentorship 

Helping Students Build Confidence

and Direction

Students do not have to navigate important educational decisions alone.


ROOTS provides individualized guidance and mentorship to help students identify their goals, understand their options, build confidence, and create a plan for moving forward.

Support may include:

• Educational goal setting

• Academic planning

• Identifying strengths and interests

• Building self-advocacy skills

• Time management and organization

• Connecting with school and community resources

• Identifying barriers and possible solutions

• Encouragement and ongoing mentorship

College & Career Readiness

Exploring the Possibilities After High School


There is no single pathway to success.


ROOTS helps students explore different education and career opportunities so they can make informed decisions based on their interests, strengths, and goals.

Students may explore:

• Two-year colleges

• Four-year colleges and universities

• Career and technical education

• Apprenticeships

• Workforce and certificate programs

• Career interests and pathways

• Educational requirements for different careers

• Other postsecondary opportunities

Our goal is not to choose a pathway for students. Our goal is to give them information and support so they can confidently choose a pathway for themselves.

First-Year College Support

Support Doesn't Stop at Graduation


Starting college can be exciting, but it can also bring new expectations, responsibilities, and challenges.


ROOTS helps first-year college students understand how to navigate college systems, identify resources, advocate for themselves, and develop strategies that support academic success.

Support may include:

• Navigating college systems and resources

• Connecting with academic advising

• Finding tutoring and academic support

• Understanding financial aid responsibilities

• Time management and organization

• Communicating with instructors and college staff

• Building self-advocacy skills

• Setting academic goals

• Connecting with campus support services

Students worked hard to get to college. We want to help them continue moving forward once they arrive.

Community Resource Navigation

Supporting the Whole Student


Success in school can be affected by challenges outside of the classroom.


Housing instability, food insecurity, transportation difficulties, healthcare needs, employment concerns, and other barriers can make it difficult for students to focus on their education.


ROOTS helps students and families identify community organizations and resources that may be able to provide additional support.


Community resource navigation may include assistance locating:

• Housing and emergency shelter resources

• Food and basic-needs assistance

• Transportation resources

• Healthcare and behavioral health resources

• Employment and workforce services

• Childcare and family support resources

• Legal and advocacy resources

• Financial assistance programs

• Youth and young adult services

• Other local community resources


ROOTS does not directly provide all of these services. We help students and families identify available options and connect with appropriate community organizations and service providers.

Workshops & Community Outreach

Bringing Information Into the Community


ROOTS believes educational information should be accessible to students and families where they are.


Through workshops, outreach events, partnerships, and community-based activities, ROOTS works to make information about education, financial aid, college, careers, and available resources easier to access.

Topics may include:

• FAFSA and WASFA

• College applications

• Scholarships and financial aid

• College and career exploration

• Preparing for life after high school

• First-year college success

• Academic skills and self-advocacy

• Community resources and basic needs

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with schools, colleges, youth programs, and community organizations.