INROADS Inc.

INROADS Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to creating pathways to careers for talented high school and college students. Founded in 1970 by Frank C. Carr, a former publishing executive, the organization focuses on combating racial and economic inequality by providing employment skills, internships, and financial services programs.

Mission

The mission of INROADS is to deliver innovative leadership development programs that identify, accelerate, and elevate talent throughout their careers. This mission includes fostering high-performing and innovative workplaces for their graduates and employer partners.

Programs

Internship Program

The INROADS Internship Program is a flagship initiative that equips college students with paid, multi-year summer internships at top corporations and government agencies. The program provides competitive compensation, career readiness training, and unparalleled networking opportunities. In 2021, over 6,000 candidates were accepted into the program, with 907 students receiving internships across 134 companies and federal government agencies.

Financial Services Institute Program

INROADS also operates a specialty spring program for Black college sophomores interested in pursuing careers in financial services. This 10-week program prepares students for the internship applicant pool, with a high success rate; between 2019 and 2021, 75% of participants secured internships, mostly with financial services companies.

Financial Overview

INROADS is classified as a 501(c)3 organization, with contributions being tax-deductible. The organization's revenue primarily comes from contributions and program services. In recent fiscal years, the breakdown of revenue sources has included significant contributions alongside program service income. Notable expenses include salaries, professional fundraising fees, and executive compensation.

Impact and Leadership

Studies have shown that INROADS alumni experience higher levels of economic success compared to other demographics, with significant increases in homeownership and net worth. The organization is led by Forest T. Harper, who serves as President and CEO. Harper has a diverse background, having worked at Pfizer for 28 years before joining INROADS.

Governance and Partnerships

The INROADS board of directors includes many executives from large corporations that partner with the organization, such as Cetera Financial Group, Price Waterhouse Coopers, PNC Bank, Proctor and Gamble, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin. This network of partnerships supports INROADS in achieving its mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the corporate world.

[1] https://inroads.org/about/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/620967197 [3] https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/inroads/ [4] https://inroads.org/internships-program/ [5] https://inroads.org