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Jonathan Johnson

Founder and CEO at Rooted School Foundation

Jonathan Johnson is the Founder and CEO of the Rooted School Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the racial wealth gap in the United States by connecting underserved youth with career and financial opportunities. Under his leadership, Rooted School has expanded to a network of four schools across various states, focusing on innovative educational models that promote upward mobility for students.125

Background and Education

Jonathan Johnson's journey into education began with his experience as a teacher for Teach For America in New Orleans, where he taught at KIPP Central City Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Chapman University.13 His personal experiences with economic hardship during childhood inspired him to create pathways for other children to achieve better futures.1

Achievements

Johnson has received notable recognition for his work, including being named a “Change-Maker” by The 74 and receiving the Fishman Prize for Excellence in Teaching. He was also acknowledged as one of the top entrepreneurs globally by Echoing Green, and recognized by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s The Giving Pledge campaign for his innovative contributions to education.14 Additionally, he leads "The $50 Study," a significant research initiative exploring the impact of direct cash transfers to high school students, which aims to alleviate financial strain and enhance academic performance.25

Current Role

As CEO of Rooted School Foundation, Jonathan Johnson continues to advocate for educational reform that emphasizes financial literacy and career readiness. His efforts include raising over $18 million in grants to support the foundation's initiatives aimed at fostering economic mobility among youth.4

Highlights

Aug 13 · linkedin

🚀  Exciting News from The $50 Study! 🚀

I’m thrilled to share the preliminary findings from Cohort I of our multi-year RCT, conducted in partnership with the Center for Guaranteed Income Research and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The $50 Study is a groundbreaking guaranteed income pilot, providing high school students with $50/week for 40 weeks.

In our first cohort of 156 students (82 in treatment), we’ve seen some incredible early results:

📉 Fewer absences 📚  Higher reading growth  💸 Increased financial capability

Learn more by reading the press and article below from the Times-Picayune. from the Times-Picayune.

As we wrap up our second cohort in August, we’re also gearing up for a multi-year RCT with 1,600 12th graders in New Orleans, made possible by a $1M grant through the city’s ARPA funding.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way—this journey wouldn’t be possible without you.

Press Release: https://lnkd.in/ekYDf83W

Times-Picayune: https://lnkd.in/eut2vM_H

City of New Orleans Stacia West Rooted School Foundation Talia Livneh Kaitlin Karpinski Rooted School Ma'at Lands Rooted School Indianapolis at Eastern Star Church Beadsie Woo Kimberly Spring Lauren N. King, Ph.D. Cissie L. Education Leaders of Color Economic Security Project Hassan Hassan Darin Lim Yankowitz Jessica Cohn

Feb 28 · linkedin

💸 What if we created an income floor for teens? 💸 Join me as I take the stage to share about a first-in-kind program exploring the impacts of giving unconditional cash to teens. I'll share preliminary findings, a glimpse of the future with youth cash transfers, and opportunities to get involved. "The $50 Study: Creating an Income Floor for Teens" on Tues, Mar 5 @ 2:30p Room 15 https://lnkd.in/gPzM3n4s

#sxswedu #give50

Related Questions

What inspired Jonathan Johnson to start the Rooted School Foundation?
How does the Rooted School model differ from traditional public schools?
What are some of the key achievements of Jonathan Johnson in the education sector?
How does the "The $50 Study" work and what are its findings?
What challenges has Jonathan Johnson faced in establishing Rooted School in different states?
Jonathan Johnson
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Location

Portland, Oregon, United States