rootEd Alliance Expands to Oklahoma with College and Career Advising
The rootEd Alliance is placing dedicated college and career advisors in rural Oklahoma high schools. The initiative aims to increase postsecondary education and career training enrollment among students.
The rootEd Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, has expanded its operations into Oklahoma. The organization places trained college and career advisors in rural high schools to assist students in planning their post-graduation paths, whether through college, career credentials, apprenticeships, military service, or direct entry into the workforce.
Heartland Forward, serving as the implementation partner for the program in Oklahoma, announced the expansion on Monday, September 28, 2026. To date, rootEd advisors have supported over 100,000 rural students nationwide across various states. Reports indicate that schools involved with rootEd have seen nearly a 30% increase in students pursuing postsecondary education or career training, with a 54% decrease in those pursuing low-skill, low-wage jobs.
The expansion into Oklahoma is made possible through support from the Inasmuch Foundation and the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Heartland Forward previously led a successful pilot program in Arkansas. The goal is for rootEd Oklahoma to operate in ten high schools, serving over 1,000 students by the 2027-28 academic year.
"Every student should graduate with a clear path forward," said Angie Cooper, president of Heartland Forward. "rootEd Oklahoma will connect rural students to opportunities that strengthen Oklahoma's workforce and economy."