2021 impact
Report
In 2021, Road to Hire’s students, partners and staff were tested and stretched in profound ways. The R2H community demonstrated its resilience and, together, we advanced a shared mission: interrupting cycles of intergenerational poverty by creating diverse, inclusive talent pipelines.
The success of Road to Hire’s students and employer partners stems from their collective hard work and hope. That hope has energy and that work increases access to high-earning STEM careers for underrepresented young adults and helps to dismantle systems of privilege and racism.
The R2H platform has invested in 1,300 students to date and has built a strong foundation that will support expanding the impact of this work in the year ahead. As we enter a new year, let us continue to work together to create more equitable communities — ones that embrace diverse and inclusive workforces.
reflection on 2021
"Hope has energy."
Joanna Diaz
Pathways Student,
Julius Chambers High School
Hover over a person to read what they have to say about Road to Hire
ABOUT ROAD TO HIRE
“I’d rate my experience with Road to Hire 1,000 out of 10. I learned a lot about my options after high school and how to manage the college application process.”
Road to Hire’s Purpose
Road to Hire (R2H) is a nonprofit dedicated to interrupting cycles of intergenerational poverty and promoting racial justice by creating robust, diverse talent pipelines for employers committed to inclusive workforces.
R2H prioritizes serving students whose opportunities are limited by financial barriers and systemic racism and prepares them for high-earning and fast-growing STEM careers. This includes Title I high school students, first-generation and underrepresented college students and young adults without access to a four-year degree.
SCHOLARSHIPs
Apprenticeships
Helps motivated seniors in Charlotte’s Title I high schools build the futures they deserve. Students in the program gain confidence and accomplish the following:
• FAFSA completion
• Excel and website design foundations
• College application submission
• Alternative path career planning
via apprenticeship programs
Pathways
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High school students who complete Pathways earn financial and social capital support, like mentorship and career coaching, through R2H Scholarships. This program supports bright, determined young adults pursuing post-secondary education. This year, 126 R2H scholars are diving into high-demand fields such as computer science, business and medicine at great higher education institutions.
Scholarships
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Young adults (ages 18 to 25) earn as they learn technical and professional skills and prepare for high-growth careers. After completing a full-time, six-month program, apprentices are hired into high-paying, career-path jobs at premier employers. Apprentices begin their new careers making $55K+ without college degrees.
Apprenticeships
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Dynamic professionals motivate, inspire and educate R2H students and alumni.
Guest speakers
Mentors play a key role in supporting R2H apprentices and students as they embark on their individual journeys and development.
Mentors
Volunteers are advocates and allies to young people who are investing in themselves. There were 930+ total volunteers in 2021.
Volunteers
Student Career Coaches meet students where they are to provide emotional support, financial direction and advice on academic matters.
Student Career Coaches
R2H alumni pay it forward by serving as mentors and volunteers to those who come after them.
Alumni
Ohavia Phillips
Media maven, host & founder of “The Oh Show”
Pathways
94%
FAFSA completion for Pathways students, compared to the 50% national average
6
partner
high schools
98%
of Pathways grads are pursuing postsecondary plans, including college and paid apprenticeships
392
in-depth mentor
check-ins
CEO, Road to Hire
GENESIS CRUZ
Road to Hire Scholar,
Wingate University
“R2H supported me throughout my college experience – and gave me the chance to see the world from different perspectives.”
Jordan Howard
IT Apprentice at Duke Energy, Coding Cohort 8 alumni
“Going through Road to Hire kind of scared me but I told myself there’s nothing that I would lose by taking a step forward. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so I decided to take it.”
Three entry points. One path to economic justice.
Pathways: High school students
Scholarships: College students
Apprenticeships: Young adults ages 18-25
Through the support of volunteers, community members and corporate and education partners, the voices and perspectives of all identity groups are represented in this work.
362
high schoolers learned career readiness skills, preparing them for a high-earning career after graduation
96%
of apprentices are
people of color
$7M
in scholarships and grants awarded to R2H students
81%
of scholarship students are pursuing STEM degrees
Road to Hire’s three programs changed lives in 2021. Not just for our students – but for their families and greater communities.
Road to Hire’s Programs
(Select a Car)
fast facts
social capital
partners & SUPPORTERS
R2H’s premier employer partners, supporters and universities share Road to Hire’s commitment to social justice and to building inclusive, high-performance workplaces. R2H is grateful for their partnership, vision and steadfast commitment to economic justice.
Where We’re Going
The future is bright for Road to Hire. In 2022, Road to Hire’s partners will continue to hire women and students of color who are underrepresented in STEM fields, as well as expand hiring to include Pathways Scholar interns. Access and exposure to summer experiences are a big help to students on their way to high-earning careers.
Employer demand is driving R2H’s direction in 2022 as we double university partnerships, add a business analytics apprenticeship track and expand geographically beyond Charlotte in response to industry feedback. Road to Hire will continue to mobilize a coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations to close the economic opportunity gap and propel a generation of young adults forward.
next
kathy higgins
Vice President,
Technology Business Management at Lowe’s
“R2H is helping increase our pipeline of diverse tech talent and make a meaningful difference in our hometown. We’re delighted to partner to advance economic mobility in Charlotte by helping young adults kick-start a fulfilling technology career.”
R2H Cybersecurity Grads
The Road to Hire Team
R2H is committed to ensuring that diverse perspectives and voices are represented in our work. With that focus, we intentionally hire staff members who bring their unique personal experiences, curiosity and an inclusive approach to economic justice work. The work is not done, but transparency is important.
At Road to Hire we understand that progress is the work of many, and that's why strong relationships are at the core of everything we do. Road to Hire partners with employers who are committed to equitable, inclusive workforces in cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, Austin and Richmond – and we're working hard to expand that reach in 2022. I’m honored and humbled by this journey and excited to build coalitions of support within our communities that will create lasting change.
- Ric Elias, Road to Hire & Golden Door Scholars Founder, Red Ventures CEO
THANK YOU
99%
of scholarship recipients are people of color
95%
year-one retention rate for graduated apprentices at their starting company
$55K
average starting salary for apprentices
50%
2021
2020
STAFF:
% People of Color
MANAGERS:
% People of Color
73%
38%
54%
Representation of women in nonprofits is often high, but is not always reflected in leadership. R2H is proud to have women in 85% of management positions and an overall staff makeup of 73% women.
For example
Check Out This Awesome Video Highlighting
2021 R2H Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Graduates