Roots Of Success

What Roots Of Success does

Roots of Success is a Berkeley, California-based 501(c)-style nonprofit operating the first and only federally registered U.S. Department of Labor Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program in environmental literacy. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Raquel Pinderhughes, a San Francisco State University professor of urban studies and planning, the organization delivers a proprietary 10-module, multimedia, activity-based curriculum covering fundamentals, water, waste, transportation, energy, building, health/food and agriculture, community organizing and leadership, financial literacy and social entrepreneurship, and application practice. Programs are delivered in English and Spanish, are customized for community and carceral settings, and are taught through a Master Trainer cascade model that includes incarcerated peer instructors.

The organization serves youth and adults facing barriers to employment—particularly those impacted by poverty, prior incarceration, under-resourced schools, and housing insecurity—and connects graduates to 70 entry-level jobs and 111 career pathways in essential green infrastructure sectors. Since inception, Roots of Success has trained over 28,000 participants (more than 13,000 while incarcerated) through 500+ partner organizations across 40+ U.S. states and certified more than 2,000 instructors. Reported graduate outcomes include 75% of 1,200 surveyed graduates securing employment within three months and 70% retaining employment at six months; correctional deployments have produced operational savings (e.g., Ohio DRC trash bills reduced from $95,000 to $5,000 at one facility).

The operating model is partnership-based and grant-funded. Roots of Success does not sell directly to individuals; partner organizations—state corrections departments (Ohio DRC, Washington DOC, Oregon DOC), community-based workforce and reentry nonprofits (Green City Force, Growing Home, Asian Neighborhood Design, KC Can Compost, The Unity Council, RYSE, Employment Connection, JobTrain), high schools (Five Keys Charter), community colleges (Cornell Cooperative Extension), and municipal governments (City of Columbus, City of Ithaca)—onboard the curriculum through instructor certification. Revenue is sourced from foundation grants (Grove, Kendeda, Monroe Family, Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Health Authority, Ava Community Energy, East Bay Community Energy), sale of curriculum materials and workbooks, and individual donations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and a lean central team of 1-10 employees supports the network alongside a 6-member Board and 12+-member Advisory Board.

Name

Roots Of Success

Legal name

Roots of Success

Website

https://rootsofsuccess.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Roots of Success operates the first federally registered U.S. Department of Labor Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program in environmental literacy, delivering a 10-module curriculum through 500+ partner organizations to underserved youth and adults preparing for living-wage green infrastructure jobs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Berkeley

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Program Partnership Fees / Grant Funding: As a nonprofit organization, Roots of Success is primarily funded through grants from foundations (e.g., The Grove Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, Monroe Family Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation) and individual donors. Partnerships with schools, correctional facilities, and community organizations are facilitated at no direct cost to participants, with the organization sustained by external funding.
2. Curriculum Materials and Instructor Resources: Roots of Success generates revenue through the sale of curriculum materials, student workbooks, and textbooks to program partners and instructors. The 'Ordering Curriculum Materials' page on their website indicates commercial distribution of educational resources.
3. Donations and Individual Contributions: The organization actively solicits donations through its website, with Giving Tuesday campaigns indicating that 100% of donations directly support bringing programs to incarcerated individuals. Individual donors and donor-advised funds are listed as supporters.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Roots of Success delivers a 10-module environmental literacy curriculum embedded in a federally registered U.S. Department of Labor Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program. The curriculum prepares youth and adults facing barriers to employment for living-wage careers in green infrastructure, environmental remediation, and related sectors, awarding the Environmental Specialist credential and the CTE Environmental Literacy Instructor credential upon completion.

Product overview

Roots of Success offers a federally registered Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program centered around a 10-module environmental literacy curriculum. The Pre-Apprenticeship program leads to an Environmental Specialist credential, while the Apprenticeship program leads to a Career Technical Educator (CTE) credential as Environmental Literacy Instructors. The curriculum covers green infrastructure sectors including water, waste, transportation, energy, building, food systems, and open space, preparing participants for over 70 jobs and 111 career pathways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Roots of Success Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Environmental Specialist Credential)

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% of 1,200 surveyed graduates secured employment within 3 months of completion
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and new.

• Jobs for the Future (JFF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Jobs for the Future (JFF) partnered with Roots of Success on multiple initiatives including a presentation at the Spring 2026 Pathways to Prosperity (PtoP) National Institute on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. JFF's Center for Justice & Economic Advancement featured Roots of Success graduate Shaun Libby and connects the program to national workforce policy initiatives. JFF also featured Roots of Success at the CEA Conference.
• San Francisco State University (SFSU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Roots of Success was created by Dr. Raquel Pinderhughes, Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at San Francisco State University. SFSU provides ongoing academic affiliation and research partnership. Dr. Pinderhughes' landmark research 'Green Collar Jobs for Individuals with Barriers to Employment' was conducted through SFSU.
• USC Rossier School of EducationsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Dean Pedro Noguera (USC Rossier School of Education) has publicly endorsed Roots of Success, stating it is 'particularly well suited for young people who have not been well served by the schools' and serves as an advisor to the organization.
• Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026Ohio DRC is a flagship partner, having implemented Roots of Success sustainability initiatives across multiple facilities since 2013. The partnership has produced significant operational savings ($90,000 average reduction in trash bills, 5% electrical reduction, 38% food waste reduction). Ohio DRC has trained Master Trainers and peer instructors within facilities. Chief Gary Mohr led the sustainability initiative.
• Washington State Department of CorrectionscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026Washington State DOC operates the Sustainable Practices Lab at Washington State Penitentiary and Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Secretary Dan Pacholke (formerly) has endorsed the program. Peer instructors deliver the curriculum, and the program has won national recognition for innovations.
• Oregon Department of CorrectionsImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026Oregon DOC operates Roots of Success in multiple facilities including Coffee Creek Correctional Institution, Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI), and Columbia River Correctional Institution. EOCI instructors publish a monthly newsletter 'The Echo' and have won American Penal Press Awards. Patrick Gazeley-Romney is a certified Master Trainer who trains new instructors.
• Alliance for Higher Education in PrisonsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison partnered with Roots of Success through the Maine Department of Corrections to support paid, project-based learning experiences for incarcerated students. Michael Smith, Workforce Development & Reentry Programs Specialist, participates through this partnership. Roots of Success presented at the 2024 Incarcerated Scholars Conference hosted by the Alliance.
• SEAT CenternewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025SEAT Center is listed as a new summer 2024 partnership. Roots of Success is launching new partnerships to expand its reach in underserved communities.
• Fenix Youth ProjectnewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Fenix Youth Project is a new partner. Roots of Success celebrated new cohorts of Pre-Apprentices at Fenix Youth Project, indicating an active and growing partnership.
• Macedonia Development CorporationnewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Macedonia Development Corporation is a new partner that began training Roots of Success instructors in September 2024. The organization offers the program including in Spanish, expanding reach to Spanish-speaking communities.
• Green City ForcecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Green City Force is a flagship partner in New York City, using Roots of Success as the Environmental Literacy Pre-Apprenticeship for AmeriCorps service members. Academic Manager Jameelah Muhammad has taught the curriculum since 2010. Green City Force serves young adults from NYC public housing communities.
• Growing HomecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Growing Home is a USDA-Certified Organic urban farm and workforce development center in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. They partner with Roots of Success to prepare participants for careers in sustainable agriculture and green infrastructure. Growing Home celebrated multiple cohort graduations in 2024-2025.
• KC Can CompostcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025KC Can Compost's Green Core Training (GCT) is an environmental literacy, workplace readiness, and green jobs training program that uses Roots of Success curriculum. The program has produced 147 graduates in one year. Graduate Jason was promoted to lead role at Bridging the Gap's Green Stewards program.
• The Unity CouncilcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025The Unity Council in Oakland, CA operates the Oakland Forward program using Roots of Success. The program offers paid work experience (up to $900 in supportive services, up to $500 in milestones) for re-entry citizens. Instructors have completed the CTE Environmental Literacy Apprenticeship. The program is also offered in Spanish.
• Windy City Harvest / Chicago Botanic GardencoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Windy City Harvest, an education and jobs-training program of the Chicago Botanic Garden, has partnered with Roots of Success since 2015. The 9-month program uses Roots of Success as foundational curriculum. Graduate Aaron Serrano was hired by FarmedHere LLC after completing the program. About 70% of 127 graduates have been offered jobs.
• Asian Neighborhood Design (AND)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Asian Neighborhood Design (AND) in San Francisco has partnered with Roots of Success since 2011. AND uses the curriculum in their green job academies. Instructor Jamie Brewster notes the curriculum gives students a well-rounded green education. Two graduates were hired by the Department of Environment.
• Five Keys Charter SchoolcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Five Keys Charter School in San Bernardino, CA is a flagship educational partner. Instructor Haydee Burrola teaches Roots of Success and notes students increase literacy and math skills. Students have gone on to community college and city employment. The school serves adults with barriers to education.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) TompkinssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025CCE Tompkins offers Roots of Success through their Energy Warriors program in Ithaca, NY as part of Ithaca's Green New Deal. Students receive weekly stipends. The program is part of Ithaca's goal to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
• Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025NWBCCC in New York City uses Roots of Success through their Weatherization Assistance Program. Green Jobs Outreach Coordinator Taleigh Smith has taught the curriculum since 2010. NWBCCC formed a worker-owned cooperative for green roofs and solar panels using the curriculum.
• RYSE Youth CentersupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025RYSE in Richmond, CA partners with Roots of Success by pairing the Pre-Apprenticeship with a paid work experience opportunity. May 2024 cohort had 7 participants who graduated and then completed work experience with local companies.
• Employment Connection (St. Louis)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Employment Connection in St. Louis, partnered with Missouri Botanical Garden, offers Roots of Success. Recent cohorts participated in sustainability flag projects at community gardens with St. Louis Public School students.
• Hunters Point FamilynewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Hunters Point Family is listed as a new summer 2024 partnership. Roots of Success is expanding reach in underserved communities through new partnerships.
• Ukiah School DistrictnewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Ukiah School District is listed as a new summer 2024 partnership, expanding Roots of Success reach into K-12 education.
• Bridge Academy (San Mateo USD)newImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Bridge Academy within San Mateo Unified School District is a new summer 2024 partnership, bringing Roots of Success into alternative education settings.
• Illinois Equity Staffing: Legacy Fellowship ProgramsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Illinois Equity Staffing's Legacy Fellowship Program in Chicago uses Roots of Success as part of a comprehensive reentry program for justice-impacted individuals on the South Side. The program includes field trips, mentorship, job readiness, financial literacy, and cannabis education.
• Energy Warriors (CCE Tompkins)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Energy Warriors, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in Tompkins County, NY, offers Roots of Success to participants who receive weekly stipends. The program is part of Ithaca's Green New Deal and prepares participants as 'energy warriors' for clean energy careers.
• Project ReboundsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Project Rebound at San Francisco State University partners with Roots of Success to support formerly incarcerated students. A graduation celebration was held with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office and Manoraj UP.
• Peralta Service CorporationsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Peralta Service Corporation in Oakland partnered with The Unity Council and Roots of Success to deliver the Pre-Apprenticeship program, celebrating their first cohort graduation.
• Washington State Department of Children, Youth & FamiliessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Washington State DCYF partners with Roots of Success at the Oakridge Group Facility, training youth in green infrastructure careers through instructor Grady Mitchell who has completed the federally registered Apprenticeship.
• JobTrainsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025JobTrain in Menlo Park, CA partnered with Roots of Success to offer the program within Maple Street Correctional Center. The first cohort graduated with participants reporting increased self-confidence and awareness of sustainability issues.
• System ResetsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025System Reset, a community of social impact professionals, organized a tour of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center's new learning center that included Roots of Success Executive Director Dr. Raquel Pinderhughes. The partnership focuses on creating pathways for tech and leading sectors to support people affected by the criminal justice system.
• The Last MilesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Staff from The Last Mile led a tour of San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, providing an overview of their nationally recognized work preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry through business and technology training. The connection with Roots of Success was made through the System Reset community.
• Tree PeoplenewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Tree People participated in Roots of Success' first instructor training of 2026, joining the network of organizations delivering the Pre-Apprenticeship program.
• Minnesota Landscape ArboretumnewImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Minnesota Landscape Arboretum joined Roots of Success' first instructor training of 2026, indicating a new partnership to deliver green infrastructure workforce training.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Conservation Legacy / Stewards Individual Placement Program: National conservation corps network (Stewards, Southwest Conservation Corps, etc.) running AmeriCorps-funded conservation service and training programs that place young adults into environmental career pathways. Directly comparable as a barriered-learner, environmental-workforce pipeline provider, though more service-based and outdoor-focused than Roots of Success' classroom-apprenticeship model.
• Year Up: National workforce development program serving young adults facing significant barriers to education and employment through employer-aligned training and credentialing. Directly comparable on barriered-learner workforce training and employer-validated credential pathways, scaled nationally like Roots of Success.
• The Last Mile: Provides in-prison technology and business training to prepare incarcerated individuals for reentry careers. Highly comparable to Roots of Success in that both operate inside prisons/jails, focus on incarcerated learners, and deliver workforce-aligned curricula leading to employment after release.
• Homeboy Industries: Provides wraparound reentry services and workforce training to formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals in Los Angeles. Comparable in the reentry-focused workforce model and lived-experience staffing, though narrower in sector focus than Roots of Success' environmental literacy track.
• Greening Youth Foundation: Atlanta-based nonprofit engaging underrepresented youth in conservation, environmental, and green infrastructure careers, including federal-sector pathways. Comparable in its environmental literacy, green-jobs, and youth-bridge-to-employment focus targeting underserved populations.
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing employment services to people returning home from incarceration, with operations in multiple states. Comparable on reentry-focused workforce development at national scale, employer-validated outcomes, and reliance on government and foundation funding — overlapping significantly with Roots of Success' corrections-and-reentry footprint.
• Per Scholas: National tuition-free workforce development organization providing skills training (predominantly IT) to adults from under-resourced communities. Comparable in its training-provider model targeting adults with employment barriers and partnership-based referral channels across multiple U.S. cities.
• STRIVE: Long-running workforce development nonprofit providing job-readiness training, sector-based skills, and placement support to adults facing barriers to employment in multiple U.S. cities. Comparable in the barriered-learner, employer-aligned, sector-pathway training model and reliance on city/foundation funding.
• Safer Foundation: Long-standing Chicago-based nonprofit providing education, vocational training, and employment services to people with criminal records. Comparable in its reentry and workforce development approach targeting populations Roots of Success serves, with multiple program sites in corrections-adjacent settings.
• Apprenti: National registered apprenticeship intermediary that sources, trains, and places diverse candidates — including those from underrepresented backgrounds — into tech apprenticeships with employer partners. Comparable as an apprenticeship intermediary building pathway-to-employment models for diverse learners, though concentrated in technology occupations rather than green infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rootsofsuccess
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/roots-of-success
• Instagraminstagram.com/rootsofsuccess
• Facebookfacebook.com/rootsofsuccess

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Roots Of Success