Our Roots

Root 2 Rise, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, began as a program created by Denise Hanson at Madison West High School in 2017. As a Positive Behavior Coach, Denise realized that leadership roles, community, and responsibility were key to helping students re-engage in learning at school. Root 2 Rise leverages existing school resources to make room for this engagement and fosters a remarkable change in how students view education and their place in it. We believe that, given the chance, everyone will measure up. To date, Root 2 Rise has placed over 300 high school students in Tutor-Mentor roles to work alongside K-8 Partner Teachers and their students.

The students selected to be Tutor-Mentors are often disengaged from the academic process and at risk of not graduating from high school. These Tutor-Mentors sign a rigorous contract holding them to a high standard. They receive training in tutoring and mentoring prior to being placed in the classroom. They also receive employability skills training and financial literacy instruction. Upon successful completion of Root 2 Rise, they receive academic credit and a monetary stipend for their committed work.