Root 2 Rise

When young people are trusted with real responsibility, powerful change can happen. Root 2 Rise is built on that belief, connecting high school students with younger learners to create lasting impact in classrooms and communities across Wisconsin and Oregon.

Root 2 Rise is a two-generation program that trains and compensates high school juniors and seniors to serve as Tutor-Mentors for K–5 students in public schools. Each semester, these young leaders work alongside classroom teachers, providing academic and behavioral support while building confidence in younger learners. Through training, coaching, and reflection, Root 2 Rise invests in students at both ends of the learning experience, creating growth that reaches far beyond the classroom.

The Roots of Root 2 Rise

Founded in 2017 by Executive Director Denise Hanson, Root 2 Rise began at Madison West High School, inspired by Denise's years of classroom experience and a realization that some students simply needed meaningful opportunities to shine. Rather than focusing on restrictions, the program was designed to give young people purpose, responsibility, and the chance to lead.

Since its founding, Root 2 Rise has trained more than 450 Tutor-Mentors across 14 public and charter schools, expanding learning capacity for over 9,000 elementary students. Surveys from Partner Teachers show real, measurable growth in classrooms, while Tutor-Mentors report stronger connections to school and a clearer belief in their own ability to learn. As Root 2 Rise has expanded into a two-state program and launched its alumni initiative, Thrive, its mission has remained the same: helping young people discover their strengths and move forward, one classroom at a time.

Empowering Students on Both Sides of the Desk

Root 2 Rise operates through two connected programs that support students during and after high school. The Tutor-Mentor Program places high school juniors and seniors in K–5 classrooms as trained, compensated educators who work daily alongside teachers. Tutor-Mentors receive ongoing coaching and professional development, gaining real-world experience while providing meaningful academic and behavioral support to younger students. For many in the community, this program is the first introduction to Root 2 Rise.

After graduation, that investment continues through Thrive, Root 2 Rise's alumni program. Thrive keeps former Tutor-Mentors connected to mentorship, resources, and opportunities as they move into college and careers, ensuring continued growth beyond high school. Root 2 Rise works intentionally with students who are often navigating challenges beyond the classroom, including housing instability, economic hardship, and mental health pressures. At a time when students' sense of belonging in school has declined, the program removes common barriers like GPA or attendance requirements, ensuring students who haven't yet felt connected to school still have access to leadership and opportunity.

While the impact is strong, demand continues to grow. Root 2 Rise has a waiting list of schools hoping to partner but needs additional investment to expand. Wisconsin has the largest gap between Black and white high school graduation rates of any state in the country. Ninety-seven percent of Tutor-Mentors are students of color, with 100 percent graduating on time, and 30 percent leaving the program with interest in careers in education. Partner Teachers champion having Tutor-Mentors in their classrooms, and 88 percent report improved classroom behavior, highlighting just how meaningful this model can be for students, educators, and school communities alike.

Planting Seeds for the Future

Each year continues to reveal new ways the impact of Root 2 Rise ripples outward. A high school student who once felt disconnected walks into an elementary classroom, earns a stipend and an employability certificate, and becomes someone a younger student looks up to, gaining confidence, purpose, and a renewed connection to learning.

For elementary students, the impact is just as meaningful. They receive individualized attention and an additional caring presence in the classroom during a critical stage of development, one that helps prepare them for what comes next. By strengthening connection early, Root 2 Rise helps prevent the disengagement schools so often see later.

As the organization continues to grow, Root 2 Rise welcomes volunteers and is actively seeking new members for its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. Those interested in getting involved or learning more are encouraged to reach out to [email protected]. The vision is clear: a future where every school sees Root 2 Rise as an essential part of the educational process, not an add-on, but a core support for students, classrooms, and communities.