Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

A former Trenton High School student shared how career advising is shaping students’ futures during rootEd Missouri’s Capitol Day at the State Capitol.

On Feb. 10, Kaleb McCallon of Trenton traveled to Jefferson City with rootEd advisor Mary Woodson to meet with state leaders, including Gov. Mike Kehoe and Sen. Rusty Black. Students from rural high schools across Missouri met with legislators to discuss how one-on-one advising helps them prepare for life after high school through college, career training, apprenticeships or military service.

McCallon, a first-generation college student from Trenton, spoke about the role the program played in helping him map out his future.

“Working with my rootEd advisor absolutely changed my career path,” McCallon said. “She showed me options for my future that I hadn’t thought were possible for me and worked with me through every step of the application and financial aid process.”

McCallon is now studying crop science at Northwest Missouri State University and plans to put his degree to work in Missouri.

RootEd is a national nonprofit that places dedicated career advisors in rural high schools. Trenton High School has participated in the program since 2021, with advisors working one-on-one with seniors to help them graduate with a clear plan for their career path.

Statewide, rootEd Missouri has supported more than 60,000 high school seniors and operates in 173 rural high schools — nearly half of the state’s rural campuses. The program reports participating schools see 20 percent more students pursuing college or career training after graduation and 47 percent fewer students entering low-skill, low-wage jobs.