Mendon, MO – Northwestern R-1 has been selected to participate in the expanded rootEd Missouri Career Advising Initiative (MCAI), a statewide effort to ensure rural high school students have access to a dedicated college and career advisor to support their success after graduation. rootEd advisors provide all seniors with one-on-one career and college advising to ensure they graduate on a path to a well-paying job—whether through college, career training, apprenticeships, or military service. As part of the initiative, rootEd advisors also partner with the local business community to help introduce students to in-demand career paths, including those close to home. Mrs. Alyssa Mauzey (½ Time Business Teacher) will also serve as the rootEd advisor.
The Missouri Career Advising Initiative is a partnership between the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and rootEd Missouri. rootEd Missouri is a program led by Ozarks Technical Community College and the national nonprofit rootEd Alliance, which works to increase economic mobility and access to opportunities for the next generation of rural Americans.
Schools were selected based on rural status, geographic representation, postsecondary enrollment trends, percentage of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, and potential benefits identified by the district.
Mrs. Alyssa Mauzey will serve as the rootEd Advisor, working individually with students to:
- Explore careers and apply for college or training programs that support their path
- Navigate financial aid opportunities, including FAFSA completion
- Enroll in college or career training, earn a workplace credential, and/or enlist in the military
- Successfully transition from high school, which may include help with housing, transportation, and other needs
As part of MCAI, Northwestern R-1 and Mrs. Mauzey will receive ongoing training, data insights, and operational guidance from rootEd Missouri, and will work alongside the school counselor, Lindsey Calvert and staff to support Northwestern students.
“We’re thrilled to bring rootEd Missouri’s proven model to our students,” said Tyler Clark, Ed.S – Northwestern R-1 Superintendent. “Our students deserve every opportunity, and through rootEd’s dedicated advising — in partnership with our school and the local community – will make a real difference in setting up their future successes.”
“I’m thrilled to work with Northwestern students as they explore the incredible potential for their futures – and take steps together to turn their ideas into a concrete plan,” said rootEd advisor Alyssa Mauzey.
Launched in a handful of Missouri schools in 2018, rootEd Alliance’s strong track record of success was recognized with a significant increase in state funding through Missouri’s fiscal 2026 budget, which was signed in July 2025. This expansion will allow rootEd to serve nearly 180 schools statewide including Northwestern —reaching approximately half of all rural high schools in Missouri with a dedicated college and career advisor.
Missouri Career Advising Initiative
Learn more about the Missouri Career Advising Initiative here.
About rootEd Alliance
rootEd Alliance is committed to expanding economic opportunity and mobility for rural youth by ensuring every student graduates high school on a path to a well-paying career. rootEd Alliance places dedicated college and career advisors in rural high schools to work one-on-one with all seniors to define and create a plan for their futures, whether through a college degree, career credentials, apprenticeships, or military service. Launched in 2018 and now operating in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Alaska, and Idaho, rootEd advisors will serve over 25,000 students at more than 300 rural high schools in the 2025-2026 academic year. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists, convened by BDT & MSD Partners. Learn more here.
