rootEd Alliance is Byron Trott’s (Union High School Class of ’77) new approach to improving educational opportunities in rural America

June 19, 2019

Byron Trott, founder of rootEd Alliance, visits with parents who attended an event he hosted at Union High School in May 2019 to celebrate 90% of graduating UHS seniors enrolled in post-secondary schooling for 2019-20 (photo credit: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Launched in 2018, rootEd Alliance is a new collaborative philanthropic effort to prepare students in rural America for stronger futures by providing them with advice, exposure and access to college and career opportunities. To accomplish its purpose, rootEd Alliance partners with organizations actively involved in improving postsecondary access and completion among rural high school and college students. With strategic guidance and oversight, rootEd Alliance links these organizations to create a holistic model that supports students starting in high school through college graduation. Together, they clear the path for rural students to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams.

In Union, rootEd Alliance has partnered with the Ayers Foundation to provide students with extra support from two dedicated college and career advisors, whose purpose is to encourage and motivate students to consider college and enroll in an array of postsecondary programs. Students are also eligible to apply for the rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 annually, awarded “last dollar” to fill the gap in students’ financial aid packages at four-year institutions.

Byron and Tina Trott, founders of rootEd Alliance, (photo credit: UNICEF)

For more information, please download this rootEd Alliance Fact Sheet and check out this article about Mr. Trott and rootEd Alliance in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Spotlight On: rootEd Alliance