Enroot

Enroot supports this population by directing a rigorous and holistic out-of-school-time program. Recruited from the English-Language-Learner department (ELL) at Cambridge Rindge and Lating School and Somerville High School, over 90% of Enroot students are low-income, and all will be the first in their families to attend an American university.

Throughout the program's 2-3 year arc, students: (1) Improve academic performance; (2) Demonstrate a greater sense of community and belonging, self-confidence and advocacy; (3) Develop a clear and inspiring pathway for higher education and career; (4) Build a marketable skill set through real-world, paid internships; (5) Graduate high school prepared to successfully transition to and graduate from post-secondary education.

Enroot enrolls English Language Learner students in Cambridge and Somerville and provides 3-4 years of structured, wrap-around support through the Explore and Leadership Cohorts:

Year 1: Enroot’s Explore Cohort is designed to serve students with the lowest level of English-language proficiency. Students are matched with an adult volunteer mentor, provided individualized case management, and attend weekly workshops.

Years 2, 3, 4: Enroot Leadership students are provided with holistic, wrap-around programming. Each week students meet 1-1 with a mentor and an academic tutor, participate in a leadership development workshop, and participate in a professional internship. Enroot juniors and seniors also participate in Postsecondary Workshops and college visits

After Enroot students graduate from high school, they have the opportunity to remain involved with Enroot through our post-secondary success programming: receiving coaching from Enroot staff and meeting regularly with their mentor.

Enroot's work is possible through the work of dedicated staff, volunteers, and community partners. Enroot's staff work 1:1 with students in both high schools to provide case management and inspiring programming. Over 175 volunteer mentors and tutors are matched 1:1 with students to provide additional academic and social support through weekly meetings with their students. Enroot partners with organizations and companies in both Cambridge and Somerville to set up student internships that allow students to gain professional experiences.

In April of 2016, Enroot's Board of Directors voted to approve the expansion pilot at Somerville High School, in part thanks to enthusiasm and financial investments from the Somerville Public Schools and City of Somerville. A pilot group of 20-30 students was recruited for the Somerville High School pilot site in 2016-2017 and grew to serve 35 students the following school year. Nearing the close of our second year in Somerville, the expansion has been a success: we have a waiting list of students and volunteers eager to take part in the program. Next year, we plan to serve 50 students in Somerville and anticipate the program continuing to grow.

We are beginning the process of identifying a school for our expansion to a third site to begin in fall of 2019. Enroot will have conversations with school administrators, district leadership, and an analysis of the community to make an informed and well-researched decision on our next site.