

The Rooted & Rising Leaders
“When we invest in the leadership potential of our African American youth, we lay the foundation for a powerful legacy of innovation, justice, and unity—one that shapes our communities for generations to come.”
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-Tanesha Peeples
What is the Rooted & Rising Leaders Pipeline?
The Rooted & Rising Leaders (R&R) Pipeline is a transformative, year-long externship designed to cultivate early leadership potential and provide Black middle school youth with direct access to career pathways. Through immersive, hands-on experiences, R&R empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in their future endeavors. This initiative is a collaborative effort between The Roots Initiative and local professionals, businesses, and organizations committed to bridging the gap between education and economic mobility.
Key Features:
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Hands-On Career Exploration
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The R&R Pipeline provides students with direct exposure to diverse career paths through immersive externships, job shadowing, and interactive workshops led by industry professionals. These experiences help students envision their futures and develop real-world skills early.
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Mentorship Tailored to Strengths & Aspirations
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Students are paired with mentors who reflect their identities and understand their experiences. Through one-on-one guidance and group mentorship, youth gain invaluable insight, support, and encouragement tailored to their individual strengths and aspirations.
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Building Economic Empowerment
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The R&R Pipeline prioritizes financial literacy and economic education, equipping students with knowledge on wealth-building, entrepreneurship, and career development. We ensure that students don’t just enter the workforce but are positioned to lead, innovate, and create opportunities within their communities.
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Rooted in Identity & Leadership
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By centering Black history, culture, and leadership in our programming, R&R ensures that students develop a strong sense of identity, confidence, and agency. Our curriculum instills a leadership mindset, emphasizing advocacy, resilience, and community impact.
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Equitable Access to Opportunity
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Recognizing the systemic barriers that often limit Black students' access to professional networks and career resources, R&R actively partners with organizations and businesses committed to fostering equitable pathways for success. Our goal is to create sustained opportunities that extend beyond the externship.
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How to get involved:
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The Rooted & Rising Leaders Pipeline is available to schools, community-based organizations, and businesses in the Chicagoland area that are committed to investing in Black youth leadership and career development. If you’re interested in bringing this initiative to your school or organization, or if you’re a professional looking to mentor or host an externship, reach out to us at info@therootsinitiative.org.