Vibrant Minds Learning Collective is now The Rooted Youth Collective!
What We Offer
Skill Development & Mentorship
Homeschool Support & Academic Accountability
Life Skills & Community Culture
Creative, Entrepreneurial & Enrichment Experiences
Guided Learning Journeys
Personalized Tutoring & Academic Support
WHY WE EXIST
Rooted Youth Collective was created with one purpose: to give our community’s youth a supportive, innovative alternative designed around their whole well-being.
Growing up in Dunbar myself, I know firsthand how limited educational options can impact a young person’s confidence and opportunities.
This work is personal.
Our teens deserve spaces that honor their strengths, their identities, and their futures.
Rooted Youth Collective is a space built on love, community, and possibility — for every family who needs it.
— Shulesa McDonald Founder & Program Director
A restorative, community-centered space for youth ages 11–14.
Academic Enrichment Programs
Our Academic Enrichment Programs are designed to provide easy-to-understand, personalized learning support to help your child grow, learn, and succeed.
Life Skills Workshops
We teach teens real-life skills—communication, decision-making, money management, and more—so they feel confident and ready for the future.
Mentoring and Guidance
We connect teens with mentors who listen, guide, and inspire them. Our mentors help youth build confidence and make good decisions.
Community Projects
Our Community Engagement Projects give youth a chance to help others and feel connected. They work on real projects that make the community better and learn to be caring, responsible citizens.
Restorative Approach & Well-Being
We don’t punish teens into success — we support them into it.
Our restorative approach centers connection, communication, and accountability. We help youth understand their emotions, repair harm when needed, and build the confidence to make better choices.
Our team includes Youth Mental Health First Aiders and Certified Resiliency Coaches, ensuring that every young person is supported with compassion, tools, and understanding.
Family Partnerships Matter
We support the whole family. We communicate often, collaborate on goals, and work together to ensure your child grows academically, socially, and emotionally.
Hands-On Enrichment Experiences
Our teens participate in meaningful, interest-driven experiences such as:
- Art & Creative Expression
- STEM + Robotics
- Financial Literacy
- Entrepreneurship
- Nature & Outdoor Exploration
- Culinary Projects
- Leadership Workshops
- Life Skills (communication, decision-making, conflict resolution)
- Community Service
Who We Serve
We support youth ages 11–14 who learn best in small, flexible, supportive environments. Many of our teens:
- Struggled in traditional settings
- Need a calmer, more personalized environment
- Thrive with structure AND creativity
- Benefit from mentorship and consistent adult support
- Homeschooled Youth
- Public school or Virtual School
Reach Out to Us Today
Contact Rooted Youth Collective