rootEd Alliance & Missouri Districts Partner to Transform Rural Students’ Futures

October 2, 2024

Across Missouri, rootEd Alliance is partnering with districts and high schools to ensure every student graduates with a clear plan for their future, whether that be entering college, career training, or military. By focusing on rural school districts, rootEd is addressing the unique challenges these communities face and providing invaluable resources to students, families, and educators alike. This partnership is built on flexibility and responsiveness, allowing rootEd to tailor its support based on each district’s specific needs.

rootEd Alliance’s collaboration with Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC)  and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) exemplifies a robust public-private partnership. This collaboration targets 130 high schools across Missouri, primarily those with rural designations, through a cost-sharing model. DESE plays a critical role in identifying and inviting eligible districts to participate, ensuring  the benefits of rootEd’s programs reach the areas that need them most.

“rootEd believes that all rural students should graduate high school on a path to achieve career success and economic stability – and to get there, that students require individualized attention to their unique situations, talents and plans,” said Noa Meyer, board chair for rootEd Alliance. “rootEd advisors bring incredible passion, knowledge, and creativity, as well as resources, to help open up students’ minds of what is possible for them, and to set up a plan to make it possible.” 

Comprehensive Student Support

A cornerstone of rootEd’s approach is the one-on-one advisory model, where advisors meet with every senior at least once per semester. These dedicated advisors help students navigate the complexities of planning for their lives following graduation, including FAFSA completion, campus visits, and industry tours. The goal is ambitious: to have 100% of seniors graduate with a concrete post-high school plan and to increase FAFSA completion rates, a vital step for many students in securing financial aid for their education.

rootEd advisors are integral in shifting students’ perceptions about their futures. Many students, particularly those from first-generation college families, are unaware of the opportunities and resources available to them. Through rootEd’s programs, students gain access to information and support that clarifies the college application process and introduces them to various career paths, including apprenticeships and career training.

Enhancing Counselor Collaboration

One of the challenges rootEd addresses is the limited time and resources school counselors have to devote to college and career readiness. By partnering closely with counselors and teachers, rootEd advisors help lighten the load of their colleagues, allowing them to focus on the emotional and academic needs of their students. This collaborative model has garnered positive feedback from counselors, who appreciate the additional support and the positive impact on their students.

Alexander Jones, School Counselor from Macks Creek R-V, praised the partnership by saying, “Having a rootEd advisor who can dedicate all of their school day to work one on one with our seniors, while I as the counselor am able to assist with the social emotional, career and academic needs of all of our other students, is an invaluable resource to have.”

rootEd also facilitates annual training sessions for advisors, school administrators, and counselors, fostering a cohesive team approach. This training helps build strong relationships and ensures all stakeholders are aligned in their goals and strategies for student success.

Data-Driven Decision Making

rootEd’s commitment to data-driven practices ensures their programs are both effective and continuously improving. Advisors use a comprehensive CRM system to track qualitative data from student interactions, allowing for real-time adjustments and personalized support. This data includes information on students’ plans following graduation, participation in campus tours, and engagement with industry recruiters, among other measures

Additionally, rootEd conducts a 180-day follow-up with graduates to assess the accuracy of their initial plans and make necessary adjustments. This persistence in tracking outcomes ensures students are not only making informed decisions but also staying on their chosen paths.

Building a Culture of Training and Education

rootEd’s influence extends beyond individual students to the broader school culture. High schools participating in rootEd’s programs celebrate Decision Days, where seniors announce their post-graduation plans. This tradition inspires underclassmen and reinforces the importance of planning for life after high school. In many cases, this culture of furthering training and education permeates through to elementary levels, setting high expectations early on. It even reaches beyond the school, shifting the mindset of families and the community at large.

District-level leadership, particularly superintendents, value the impact of rootEd’s programs as they see tangible improvements in student outcomes. These leaders are data-driven and appreciate the comprehensive reports provided by rootEd, which highlight the success rates and areas for improvement. Building administrators, who are more hands-on in daily operations, also see the benefits as they interact with advisors and observe firsthand the positive changes in their students.d

“This program and position has been very helpful in supporting our students in their college and career planning,” said Teresa Messersmith, Superintendent at Maries County R-I. “Students and parents appreciate the resources and assistance that is being provided to them through this program. There is no better investment than in the future of our students.”

rootEd Alliance’s work in Missouri is a testament to the power of collaboration and dedicated support in transforming educational outcomes. By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural schools, rootEd is making a significant impact on students’ lives, ensuring they graduate with a clear and actionable plan for their future. The ongoing partnership with DESE and OTC, coupled with the commitment of rootEd advisors and educators, promises continued growth and success for Missouri’s students.