Roots & Rise
A free after-school program in Hagerstown for youth ages 12–16 who deserve more than just a place to go. They deserve a place to belong.
Welcome to Roots & Rise
Where Young People Discover Who They Are and Who They Can Become
Roots & Rise is a community-based, out-of-school youth program serving Washington County students ages 12–16. We create space for students to be supported, challenged, and seen—a place where they can get help with school, build confidence, explore their history, and imagine their future.
Program Schedule
The program runs Monday through Thursday from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Robert W. Johnson Community Center in Hagerstown, with occasional Saturday enrichment activities.
Roots & Rise is completely free. It is welcoming. And it is built around the belief that every young person has value, purpose, and potential.
Academic Support & Homework Help
Get the tutoring and academic support you need to succeed in school and beyond.
Community Connection & History
Learn about Hagerstown's rich history and your place in the community through our Know Who I Am curriculum.
Life Skills & Leadership Development
Build real-world skills including career exploration, leadership, and professional development.
Caring Adults & Mentors
Every student is surrounded by caring adults who show up, listen, and believe in them. No one is invisible here
How Roots & Rise Works
Three Pillars That Guide Everything We Do
Pillar 1 : Rooted
Students learn about their community, their history, and the people who came before them. Through our Know Who I Am curriculum, young people explore Hagerstown's rich Black history, local landmarks, and stories of resilience. They begin to understand that they come from something powerful.
Pillar 2: Rising
Students build skills for their future—including academics, communication, leadership, financial literacy, and exposure to college and career paths. We help them imagine what is possible beyond their current circumstances.
Pillar 3: Supported
Every student is surrounded by caring adults and mentors who show up, listen, and believe in them. No one is invisible here. We provide a safe, supervised space during the hours when young people need it most.
What is Roots & Rise?
Roots & Rise is a flexible drop-in program that meets Monday through Thursday from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Robert W. Johnson Community Center in Hagerstown. Some middle school students arrive as early as 2:15 PM, while high school students typically arrive later in the afternoon.
What Students Experience Each Day:
- Homework Help & Academic Support: One-on-one tutoring, daily homework assistance, and hands-on STEM and arts projects to build confidence and improve grades.
- Mentoring & Small-Group Connection: Build meaningful relationships with caring adults and peers in a safe, supportive environment.
- Social-Emotional Skill Building: Develop leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience through guided activities and conversations.
- Recreation & Physical Activity: Stay active with sports, games, and movement that promote health and teamwork.
- Identity & Leadership Development Explore who you are and who you can become through the Know Who I Am curriculum, local history projects, and career exploration.
- Life Skills Training: Learn professional skills, financial literacy, and real-world knowledge to prepare for high school and beyond.
Attendance
Some students come every day. Some come a few times a week. Some just need a place to land for a few hours.
All are welcome.
Program Schedule
Monday – Thursday
2:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location
Robert W. Johnson Community Center
109 W. North Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Occasional Saturday enrichment activities throughout the year.
Who We Serve
Who Roots & Rise Serves
There is a long stretch of time between when school ends and when families get home. For many young people—especially those facing housing instability, stress, or lack of supervision—those hours can be the most difficult.
Roots & Rise exists to fill that gap.
Everyone Belongs
We welcome students who:
- Need academic support or help with homework
- Are looking for a safe place after school
- Want caring adults and mentors in their corner
- Are navigating challenges at home, school, or in life
- Simply want to belong and be part of something positive
We don't focus on where you've been. We focus on where you're going.
Eligibility
Students ages 12–16 who live in the attendance zone of or attend one of the following Washington County schools:
- North Hagerstown High School
- South Hagerstown High School
- Northern Middle School
- Western Heights Middle School
- E. Russell Hicks Middle School
Students must either live in the attendance zone of one of these schools or be currently enrolled in one of them to be eligible.
Our Classes
Proving dependable and affordable daycare services
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Physical Class
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- 2-5 Yo
- 15 Seats
- $20/M
Creative Class
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- 2-8 Yo
- 20 Seats
- $30/M
Learning Class
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- 2-10 Yo
- 30 Seats
- $50/M
Game Session
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- 2-10 Yo
- 25 Seats
- $40/M
Painting Class
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- 2-10 Yo
- 25 Seats
- $40/M
Musical Class
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- 2-10 Yo
- 25 Seats
- $40/M
How It Works
How to Enroll
01
Fill Out Enrollment Form
Complete our short online enrollment form with student information, school attended, and parent/guardian contact details.
02
Await Acceptance Confirmation
We'll review your application and contact you to confirm your student's acceptance into the program.
03
Choose Your Schedule
Students can attend as often as they need—every day, a few times a week, or whenever they need support.
04
Start Your
Journey
Drop in during program hours (Monday–Thursday, 2:30–7:00 PM) and become part of the Roots & Rise community.
Referral Information
Students may self-refer, be referred by schools, counselors, social workers, or community partners, or learn about the program through flyers and outreach.
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Choose Your Plan
Kids demand attention. We are here to listen to them
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Basic Plan
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$199 / Montly
- 2 Meals / Day
- Medical Assistance
- Indoor Activities
- Outdoor Activities
- Annual Tours & Travels
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Standart Plan
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$299 / Montly
- 2 Meals / Day
- Medical Assistance
- Indoor Activities
- Outdoor Activities
- Annual Tours & Travels
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Advanced Plan
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$499 / Montly
- 2 Meals / Day
- Medical Assistance
- Indoor Activities
- Outdoor Activities
- Annual Tours & Travels
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WHy Choose Us
Why Choose Roots & Rise
We Give Your Child More Than After-School Care
Certified, Caring Staff
Trained professionals and mentors who are dedicated to seeing every student succeed and feel valued.
Safe & Welcoming Facility
A community-centered space where students feel physically and emotionally safe to learn and grow.
Culturally Responsive Curriculum
Our Know Who I Am curriculum connects students to local Black history, family stories, and community pride.
Flexible Drop-In Model
No rigid schedules—students come when they need us most, whether that's daily or a few times a week.
Completely Free
Zero cost to families. The program is funded by the Washington County Local Management Board.
Real-World Skills
Career exploration, leadership development, and life skills that prepare students for high school, college, and beyond.
Testimonials
What Community Leaders Are Saying
Encouragement Statement
Program Partnership
Roots & Rise is operated by MBA Growth Partners in partnership with:
- Washington County Office of Grant Management
- Robert W. Johnson Community Center
Funding: Washington County Local Management Board
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The program is completely free for all eligible students, funded by the Washington County Local Management Board.
No. Roots & Rise operates as a flexible drop-in program. Students can come as often as they need—daily, a few times a week, or whenever they need support.
Students must be ages 12–16 and live in one of these census tracts: 302, 400, 500, 601, or 900. Students can attend any Washington County school.
Just themselves! We provide homework help, activities, snacks, and materials. If they have homework, they're welcome to bring it.
The Robert W. Johnson Community Center is walkable for many students in the eligible census tracts. Please contact us to discuss transportation options.
Absolutely! We welcome family involvement. Please contact us to schedule a visit.
We work to support every student. Please note any needs on the enrollment form or contact us directly.