On the Road Collaborative

On the Road Collaborative is a non-profit organization in the Shenandoah Valley whose mission is to empower youth by providing equal access to educational opportunities and hands-on career experiences.

Our after-school and summer learning programs connect middle and high school youth to caring adult relationships and learning experiences, such as academic coaching, Career Enrichment Courses and College Visits. We strive to help our youth grow as learners and leaders, and prepare them for their future.

We are committed to providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive learning environment for all our youth. Our work begins by eliminating barriers, which is why our programs are free, held on school grounds, and open to any student who wants to participate. We also provide transportation home to all youth so that transportation never gets in the way. But most importantly, we want youth to feel like they belong. By building a culture where everyone can show up as themselves, we can work with every youth to help them define a unique path for their future and an individualized plan to help them get there. You can read our Statement of Inclusion here.

By the age of 12, research shows that children from low-income families have experienced a 6,000 hour learning gap compared to their peers due mostly to out-of-school factors, such as access to pre-school and after-school and summer learning programs. We work to closethis learning gap by connecting low-income middle and high school youth to educational experiences and caring adult mentors during the out-of-school hours.

Through more time, high-quality educational experiences, and a network of caring adult relationships,we help underserved middle and high school youth discover their passion, develop confidence and build skills that set them on the road to college and career. Our programs uniquely focus on:

• Academic Coaching: Youth have more time for academic practice and receive the support they need to succeed in school;

• Career Enrichment Classes: 10-week learning experiences led by local professionals thatexpose youth to future career opportunities in a hands-on, real-world way.

• High School Readiness:8th and 9th Grade Academies prepareyouth to successfully transition to high school.

• College & Career Preparation:10th and 11th GradeAcademy connectyouth with a network of local professionals and resources that prepare them forcollege and career success.

For more details about our work and get involved, visit us online at:ontheroadcollaborative.com