Earn school credit and a stipend while helping younger students learn

A young man with dreadlocks smiling and standing with four children in an indoor setting. The children are of diverse ethnicities, and all are smiling or looking at the camera, with some placing their arms around each other.

As a Root 2 Rise Tutor-Mentor, you’ll spend about an hour each school day in an elementary classroom for a semester. You’ll help younger students with their work, support the teacher, and take part in the everyday flow of the room.

The time you’re there earns school credit toward graduation.

Not sure if your school offers this program?

Ask your counselor or principal. If it’s not offered yet, point them to our website!

A light blue caduceus symbol with a staff and two serpents intertwined, set against a black background.

Girl in graduation cap and gown holding up a decorated white paper dress with drawings.

“Mentoring younger students taught me patience, compassion, and a new way of seeing the world. This wouldn’t have happened without Root 2 Rise. I’ve set lofty goals for myself — I’m now attending UW-Madison and majoring in Education and Spanish”

Olivia Ackah, former Tutor-Mentor

What Tutor-Mentors Receive

Graduation credit
Your time in the classroom counts toward the credits you need to finish high school.

A $750 stipend
You receive a stipend for being part of the program. And, if you don’t already have one, we’ll help you set up a bank account to receive your stipend.

Recognized certifications
You’ll earn employability and leadership certifications that can help with job, college, or training applications.

Support from adults who know you
Check-ins and small peer groups give you space to talk about how things are going, ask questions, and get help with anything you need in your placement.

Career Exploration
You’ll learn about different jobs and career paths, including teaching and other fields, and get guidance as you think about your options after high school.

The Thrive Network after graduation
After the semester ends — and after you graduate — you stay connected to Root 2 Rise for guidance, resources, and support as you move into work, training programs, or college.

A woman reading a storybook to two young boys sitting on a soft blanket in a classroom or library setting.

Three children playing a game with orange and yellow tokens in a brightly lit library.

Ready to take the next steps?

If someone at your school recommended this program, reach out to them to let them know you’re interested.

They’ll share the application, explain how the schedule works, and walk you through what starting the semester will look like. If you have questions, you can also contact Root 2 Rise at jthigpen@root2rise.org.

Still thinking it over?

We get it! We’re here for you when you’re ready . . .