On the Road Collaborative

On the Road Collaborative is a nonprofit organization that empowers youth by providing equal access to educational opportunities and hands-on career experiences. We operate after-school and summer learning programs for middle and high school youth (grades 6-12) in Harrisonburg City (Virginia). These opportunities and experiences include our Career Enrichment Courses, after-school tutoring and homework assistance, mentoring, field trips and our High School Academies. Because of a 6,000-hour learning gap experienced by low-income youth, we knew we needed to provide more than just an after-school program. This gap puts these youth at a disadvantage throughout school and as they prepare for their future. On the Road is dedicated to addressing this problem. By providing more educational opportunities and hands-on learning experiences outside of the school hours, our programs help to close this gap over time, while building our youth's confidence, skills, and understanding of their interests and future pathways along the way. That's why we've created our signature 10-week Career Enrichment Courses, which connect our youth to trusted Community Teachers and potential career paths. Unlike many other after-school programs, we maintain no barrier to entry, meaning we never turn away a young person who wants to participate. By offering these kinds of opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment, we believe we can help put our youth on the road to realizing their promise.