501(c)(3) NonprofitYouth-LedFree to Students
Helping Students Climb the Ladder of Opportunity
Free workshops. Real skills. Doors opened for the students who need it most, across 4+ U.S. states and internationally in Kenya and Nigeria.
Bridging the Opportunity Gap
We equip underserved students with the skills, mentorship, and platform to advocate for themselves and their communities, through free workshops in policy, public speaking, and career readiness.
Ladder Up bridges opportunity gaps by equipping underserved youth with the skills, mentorship, resources, and advocacy needed to succeed in school, careers, leadership, and life.
Zip code should never determine destiny. We believe in a level playing field — built one student at a time through free, high-quality programs that open doors and change trajectories.
A world where every young person, regardless of background, has access to the opportunities, skills, and support necessary to reach their full potential.
Ladder Up Vision Statement
Three Pillars of Opportunity
Every Ladder Up program is designed to give students the skills, voice, and vision to build the life they want.
Policy Advocacy
Our team has helped author, co-sponsor, and advance three California education and technology bills, co-authored an AI policy proposal for the California Department of Education, joined United Nations Association of the USA advocates on Capitol Hill, and supported youth-led efforts in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other states where our team operates, engaging directly with legislators and education leaders.
Through collaborations with CASC, GENup, and UNICEF's Child Impact Statements, we have expanded opportunities for students to influence policy. Now, we are meeting with legislative offices, setting new priorities, and launching campaigns on AI deepfakes, dual-enrollment access, and other urgent student issues.
Community Impact
Through 17+ partnerships, including eight Boys & Girls Clubs locations and other local youth organizations, we have delivered 60 workshops and reached more than 1,000 students across California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and internationally in Kenya and Nigeria. Our team has developed six interactive presentations covering AI literacy, public speaking, professional communication, résumé development, career exploration, and other essential skills.
We have also connected students with keynote speakers from companies such as Meta, along with entrepreneurs and business owners who share real-world guidance and career experiences. By combining peer-led workshops with access to experienced professionals, Ladder Up helps students build confidence, strengthen their skills, and see new possibilities for their futures.
Career Readiness
Our AI Interview Coach, built for over 200 use cases, allows students to practice realistic interviews, respond to personalized questions, and receive immediate feedback on the clarity, relevance, and strength of their answers.
Rather than simply giving students a score, the platform identifies what they did well, explains where they can improve, and provides actionable guidance for their next interview. By making high-quality coaching accessible online, Ladder Up helps students prepare for jobs, internships, scholarships, and other opportunities, regardless of whether they have access to private coaching or professional networks.
17+ Partner Organizations
From eight Boys & Girls Clubs locations to colleges, statewide student networks, and global youth organizations, working together to expand what students can do.
What Our Students Say
"I never knew how to talk to adults about my goals. After the workshop I gave my first real presentation, and everyone clapped. I felt like I could do anything."
"The public speaking workshop was the first time anyone taught me how to make an argument, not just to speak up. I used it in class the next week, and my teacher noticed."
"Ladder Up made me feel like my voice matters. I spoke at a school board meeting as a freshman. I didn't think kids like me could do that."
Students Learning, Growing, Leading
Real moments from Ladder Up workshops.
