Worth County Selected to Join Expanded rootEd Initiative

Worth County R-III High School 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.

Mr. Cree Beverlin will serve as the rootEd advisor, beginning on August 13, 2025. 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. Mr. Beverlin is beginning his fifth year teaching at Worth County. He has been a Social Studies teacher, Activities Director, Head Track Coach, and Assistant Football Coach at WC. He is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and has taught for 12 years.

Mr. Beverlin will serve as the rootEd Advisor at Worth County R-III High School, 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, Worth County R-III and Mr. Beverlin will receive ongoing training, data insights, and operational guidance from rootEd Missouri, and will work alongside the school counselor Ms. Anna Gladstone and staff to support Worth County students.

“We’re thrilled to bring rootEd Missouri’s proven model to our students,” said Mr. Chris Healy, Superintendent. “The dedicated advising will provide our students more opportunities to be set up for future successes.” “I’m looking forward to helping our seniors explore opportunities for their future and create a plan for their next steps after graduation,” said rootEd advisor Mr. Beverlin.

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 Worth County—reaching approximately half of all rural high schools in Missouri with a dedicated college and career advisor.