| Program Description | Upward Roots trains teachers or adult school community members to lead the Youth Roots Program for 4th and 5th graders at OUSD schools. Training and support services include: fall and spring in-person training experiences, our comprehensive curriculum; handouts and all necessary supplies for implementation; and, continued, personal support throughout implementation. The Youth Roots Program runs for eight weeks in both the fall and spring, supporting leadership development and empowering 4th and 5th grade students as contributors and changemakers in their communities. Participants meet weekly and develop critical social emotional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy as they identify issues they are passionate about changing in their community and design service projects in support of those issues. Not only does the program empower participants as changemakers, it provides a unique blend of leadership education, social emotional skill development, and community service as participants critically address issues affecting their communities. |