Our Story
From a chance meeting to a movement that's changing lives - discover how Level Up Cincinnati began with one mentor's vision to level the playing field.
It Started With One Mentor
Sometimes the most powerful changes begin with a single relationship. This is the story of how one mentorship sparked a movement to transform the lives of first-generation college students in Cincinnati.
2008
The Foundation: A Commitment to Mentorship
Mike Rodarte was already deeply invested in mentorship, actively guiding multiple young people through various mentoring programs. His sustained commitment to developing young talent laid the groundwork for what would become Level Up Cincinnati.
2008
The Meeting That Changed Everything
Mike met JeRod Lindsey through a financial literacy program. JeRod was a first-generation student from a low-income household who had been placed on academic probation at UC. What started as a 6-month program became the beginning of a transformative 15-year relationship.
2008-2023
15 Years of Sustained Support
Mike and JeRod’s mentoring relationship extended well beyond the original program. With JeRod’s determination and drive at the center, and Mike offering consistent support, genuine care, and strategic guidance, JeRod thrived in school and in his career - highlighting how mentorship can help unlock a person’s full potential while honoring their own commitment to success.
Recognizing the Systemic Gap
Through their relationship, Mike learned that JeRod's struggles weren't unique - they represented the norm for first-generation students. Mike and his brother Jim realized that while existing mentoring programs served younger students effectively, there was a critical gap in support for college students transitioning to professional life.
2023
Level Up Cincinnati is Born
Unable to find an existing program in Cincinnati that addressed this specific need, Mike, Jim, JeRod, and key supporters launched Level Up Cincinnati. Their mission: to scale the proven model of transformative mentorship to serve Cincinnati's entire first-generation student community.
Meet Our Founders
The visionaries who turned one successful mentorship into a movement
Mike Rodarte
Board Chair & Co-Founder
A seasoned mentor who has consistently sought out opportunities to guide young adults throughout his career. Mike's 15-year transformative mentorship with JeRod became the proven blueprint for Level Up Cincinnati's approach to developing first-generation students.
JeRod Lindsey
Board Member & Living Proof
From freshman year struggles to Senior Analyst at Citi Bank, JeRod's transformation through mentorship embodies our mission. His lived experience as a first-generation student guides everything we do at Level Up Cincinnati.
Jim Rodarte
Co-Founder & Executive Director
As Executive Director, Jim provides the strategic leadership and operational expertise needed to scale one successful mentorship into a comprehensive program that serves Cincinnati's entire first-generation student community.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Every mentorship has the potential to change a life. Every life changed has the power to transform a community. Join us in leveling the playing field for Cincinnati's first-generation college students.
The Challenge We're Solving
First-generation students face systemic barriers that shouldn't define their future. The data tells a story that demands action.
The College Completion Crisis
9 out of 10 low-income, first-generation students leave college without a degree. Behind each statistic is a dream deferred, potential unrealized.
The Equity Gap
1 in 2 first-generation Black and Latinx students drop out of college. This isn't just about individual outcomes—it's about systemic change.
The Economic Reality
$36,000 median household income gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students. This isn't just a number—it's generational poverty perpetuated.
Our Proven Solution
Three interconnected pillars that transform challenges into opportunities, backed by research and proven through JeRod's story.
Personal Development
We don't just mentor—we develop leaders. Through structured personal development, students build confidence, emotional intelligence, and the executive presence needed to thrive.
One-On-One Coaching
Like Mike's 15-year relationship with JeRod, we provide sustained, personalized guidance that adapts to each student's unique journey and challenges.
The Launch Network
We don't just open doors—we build the network that keeps opening them. Students gain access to mentors, industry professionals, and opportunities that transform careers.
The Result: Transformative Change
When these three pillars work together, students don't just graduate—they become leaders who transform their families, communities, and industries. JeRod's journey from academic probation to Senior Analyst is proof of what's possible.