MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
August 2026 |
Dear Friends,
As late summer shifts into back-to-school season, schedules fill up quickly. Thank you for making space in a busy month to catch up with us and stay connected to this work.
We have a lot to share in this issue—including international recognition for our Biofeedback Breathing tool, a recap of our first youth-led policy session, and upcoming opportunities to gather, learn, and partner together this fall.
Explore the full update below, and thank you, as always, for being part of this community.
Onward!
Vichi and Seth |
ROI Named Top 25, Global Ed Tech Prize
We're proud to share that ROI's Biofeedback Breathing tool has been named to the Top 25 shortlist for the second annual Global EdTech Prize in the Non-Profit category, recognizing tools making a real difference in education worldwide. Read the full press release below. |
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Innovation for Learning Fund Grant
ROI has been selected as one of seven inaugural Innovation for Learning Fund grantees by Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC). This $100,000 grant will advance the Learning Democracy by Doing project. As an extension of our Young Civic Leaders program, this initiative focuses on building youth capacity for informed civic engagement. We are proud to join a group of leaders of color advancing innovative approaches to teaching and learning across the country. Learn more about the project and our fellow grantees below. |
Apply Now: Medicaid Learning Collaborative 2026-27
Applications are still open for ROI's Medicaid Learning Collaborative 2026-27 Cohort! We offer public and charter schools free technical assistance to navigate the Medicaid reimbursement process and fund critical mental health staff, building lasting resilience in their school communities. Across our first two cohorts, 26 participating districts more than doubled their Medicaid reimbursement metrics and doubled student access to mental health support in year one. All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 30, 2026. |
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Fall Resilience Community Meeting
Mark your calendars, our semiannual Community Meeting date is set! We’re excited to gather with you in in Rocky Mount, N.C. on October 28, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. We’ll be sharing more details soon. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all things ROI! |
Community Impact Spotlight:
Young Civic Leaders Policy Listening Session |
On July 16, 2026, our Young Civic Leaders interns hosted ROI's first youth-led Policy Listening Session in partnership with Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Job Readiness Program. Interns put their workforce preparation and job readiness skills into action, facilitating a community conversation about local challenges, opportunities to build resilience, their summer internship experiences, and future career goals.
We're so proud of our youth for showing up with confidence and sharing their insights! We are also deeply grateful for the support and collaboration of the Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Job Readiness Program, the Town of Tarboro, and the Rocky Mount YMCA for providing paid summer internships to the youth. We looking forward to continuing to expand this program and using the feedback our interns have provided to reach more young people across rural eastern N.C. |
Free Upcoming Trauma & Resilience 101 Training
Ready to dive into the science of resilience? ROI invites you to attend our next Virtual Trauma & Resilience 101 session on October 28, 2026! This free public workshop offers an inside look at how trauma affects us and how we can grow through it together. Whether you’re an educator, faith leader, organizer, or a concerned neighbor, you'll walk away with practical skills for community connection and healing. Register now using the link below. |
Healthy Connections by UNC Health Nash
Join UNC Health Nash on Wednesday, September 2nd from 8:30–10:30 AM at the Harrison Family YMCA to connect with the organizations and businesses committed to serving our community. Enjoy breakfast while the featured speakers dive into longevity and healthy aging, sharing practical strategies to help you live healthier, longer, and stronger. Then meet the participating vendors showcasing the many businesses, services, and valuable resources available in your community. |
NC Medicaid Eligibility & Enrollment
NC Medicaid is currently offering three opportunities for community organizations to learn about upcoming H.R.1 eligibility and enrollment changes and to sign up to support engagement efforts. Opportunities include the Connecting Community and Medicaid Workgroup: a workgroup whose mission is to foster meaningful partnerships and drive collaborative solutions that improve access to care and address drivers of health; NC Medicaid Ambassador Initiative: a community service program where trained volunteers assist individuals in applying for NC Medicaid; NC Medicaid H.R.1 Train-the-Trainer: Facilitators educate community members about H.R.1/H696 Medicaid eligibility and enrollment changes. |
Quarterly Policy Listening Session:
For anyone local to Nash, Edgecombe, and Wilson counties here in North Carolina: Join us virtually on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST to discuss important policy matters that affect our community. This session is open to all who are interested in sharing their thoughts and ideas. Let's come together to listen, learn, and collaborate on ways to make a positive impact. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard! |
Rural Opportunity Institute supports youth, organizations and communities to interrupt the cycle of generational trauma and design innovative solutions for healing and resilience. |
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