Upward Roots
Organization Details
| Name | Upward Roots |
| URL | http://www.upwardroots.org/ |
| Phone number | 510-488-4490 |
Organization Description
| Service(s) description | Upward Roots trains teachers or adult school community members, often from after-school lead agencies, to lead the Youth Roots Program for 4th-8th 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 coaching and support throughout implementation. The Youth Roots Program runs for ten 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. |
| Program impact | To date, UR has enrolled over 1300 4th - 8th graders attending 17 Oakland Title I elementary and middle schools and has supported over 130 youth-led service projects directly benefiting schools and the greater Oakland community. Historically, over 80% of youth report developing leadership skills, and over 90% report developing a sense of agency. |
Community programs are organized into categories known as Community School Elements. All community programs associated with Upward Roots are listed below and each program may be provided at 1 or more schools. You can use the 'Show Details' buttons to learn more about each program.
Academic & Social Emotional Learning (1 program)
Programs to help bolster academic learning with SEL skills and competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making.