Mobilizing Young Leaders

We mobilize a generation of promising university student-athletes to drive our work in middle schools and the community. Our athletes are not just volunteers at Grassroots Health– they help drive our day-to-day operations at all levels. Student-athletes work in our headquarters, through internships focused on curriculum development, communications, and training.

Every year we recruit and train hundreds of NCAA varsity athletes to become Grassroots Coaches, nurturing their leadership and cultural competency. Grassroots Coaches participate in an intensive, four-day training session to build skills in curriculum delivery, health literacy, cultural competency and classroom facilitation skills.

Ever year a select group of student athletes who have proven their dedication to the organization serve as Training Fellows. Grassroots Health spends the summer preparing student-athlete facilitators with the skills and knowledge necessary to recruit, train, and lead their fellow student-athlete volunteers. Training Fellows play an essential role in furthering the Grassroots Health Mission and growing the scope of impact in DC and beyond. 

Because of their time working closely with students and communities, many of our athletes have been inspired to pursue careers in the public sector, from going to medical school to entering the Peace Corps and Teach for America.

Athlete Stories