Volunteers and donors play essential roles in our work, and neither stands alone. Financial support ensures that our school-based programs can operate consistently, reach students weekly, and provide the resources young people need to grow. Volunteers bring the human connection that makes this work come alive. Mentorship is not an add-on at Rooted Future. It is baked into our model. By sharing time, experience, and care, volunteers help create the steady adult presence that research shows is critical to young people’s development and long-term success. Together, donors and volunteers make it possible for students to experience belonging, guidance, and opportunity.
HOW TO HELP
Make a Gift
Rooted Future is sustained by donors who believe in Oakland youth and invest in their potential. Financial gifts make it possible for us to deliver weekly school-based programming, support student leadership and service projects, train and coordinate mentors, and expand opportunities like summer global immersion experiences. Every contribution helps ensure that young people have access to caring adults, meaningful learning, and pathways to careers of impact. Your support turns possibility into reality for students and the communities they will lead.
Volunteer with us
Volunteers are a vital part of the Rooted Future community. Adults can get involved by serving as mentors, sharing their career journeys, supporting workshops and service projects, or helping students explore pathways in nonprofit, healthcare, and civic leadership. Volunteers provide steady encouragement, real-world perspective, and trusted relationships that help young people build confidence and envision their futures. Whether you can commit regularly or support at key moments throughout the year, your presence helps create the positive experiences that students need to thrive.
MAKE A SUSTAINING GIFT
Your donation helps sustain weekly, school-based programming for students at Oakland High School and Madison Park Academy. Financial gifts support staff presence, leadership development, social emotional learning, service projects, and mentorship coordination. Every contribution helps ensure students have consistent access to caring adults, meaningful experiences, and pathways to careers of impact.
INVEST IN LONG-TERM IMPACT
Sustaining and multi-year gifts help Rooted Future plan responsibly and grow thoughtfully. Long-term support allows us to deepen relationships in schools, strengthen mentorship pipelines, and expand access to experiences like global immersion. These investments ensure our work remains consistent, relational, and rooted in community over time.
SPONSOR OUR EVENTS
Sponsorships allow donors to directly support key parts of the Rooted Future experience. This may include sponsoring a student cohort, a quarterly capstone project, leadership workshops, or career exploration programming. Sponsorships provide critical resources while offering donors a clear connection to the impact of their support. They are recognized at our community Capstone Events.
THROUGH WORK OR FOUNDATIONS
Many employers and foundations support community-based youth programs through matching gifts, workplace giving, or grants. By directing institutional support to Rooted Future, you help expand opportunities for students while aligning your organization with values of service, leadership, and community care. We are happy to partner on customized giving opportunities.
WAYS TO GIVE
MENTOR A STUDENTS
Volunteers can mentor Rooted Future students throughout the school year by offering guidance, encouragement, and real-life insight. Examples include helping a student set goals, reviewing a resume, practicing interview skills, or checking in weekly to support their leadership or mental health growth.
HOST STUDENTS AT YOUR WORK
Invite students to visit your workplace to learn about service-oriented careers and the skills needed to succeed. Examples include offering a workplace tour, hosting a career talk with your team, demonstrating a hands-on skill, or giving students a behind-the-scenes look at fields like healthcare, education, public service, or nonprofit work.
JOIN STUDENTS IN SERVICE
Join students during community service days to support local projects and deepen their learning through shared action. You might help with neighborhood cleanups, support food distribution events, volunteer at community parks, or assist local nonprofits during student-led service projects.
JOIN A CANVASBACK TRIP
Qualified volunteers may have the opportunity to join Canvasback Missions on medical service trips to Micronesia alongside Rooted Future students. Volunteers support healthcare teams, model service-oriented leadership, and help students gain global perspective through hands-on experience. These trips offer a powerful opportunity to mentor students while participating in meaningful, community-centered service.
WAYS TO VOLUNTEER
Frequently Asked Questions
How will my donation to Rooted Future be processed?
All donations to Rooted Future are processed through Canvasback Missions, our parent nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift will be designated specifically for Rooted Future and used only to support youth programming, student opportunities, and community partnerships in Oakland.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Because Canvasback Missions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions to Rooted Future are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. After donating, you will receive a confirmation email and tax receipt for your records.
How will my donation be used?
Your gift supports year-round programming at Oakland High School and Madison Park Academy, including leadership workshops, mental health resources, community service projects, and career readiness activities. Donations also help fund global immersion opportunities for students to learn and serve alongside partners in Micronesia.
Can my company or organization sponsor Rooted Future?
Yes. We welcome sponsorships from businesses, foundations, and community organizations that want to invest in Oakland youth. Sponsors receive recognition at events, in digital materials, and through community partnerships, depending on the level of support.
What does mentoring a student involve?
Mentors meet with students regularly to offer encouragement, help them set goals, and support their leadership and career growth. This can include resume help, interview practice, or simply being a consistent and caring presence.
What kinds of community service can volunteers join?
Volunteers can serve alongside students at local cleanups, food distribution events, park projects, and nonprofit service days. These shared experiences help students learn by doing and build stronger connections to their community. You can also be part of our Quarterly Capstone events, bringing out your company teams and spreading the word about the work you do!
How does hosting student at my workplace work?
Workplace hosts invite students to learn directly from professionals through tours, skill demonstrations, career talks, or shadowing opportunities. This gives students a real-world look at service-oriented careers and helps them imagine their own future in those fields.
