Higher Achievement’s rigorous afterschool and summer academic program gives youth from at-risk communities their best opportunity to succeed in middle school — and in life. Our research-based program challenges middle school students to meet their full potential in three key areas: academics, social skills, and leadership. When students get the skills and support they need to invest in their own success, they discover that they can be scholars. Higher Achievement is rigorous. From 5th through 8th grade, Higher Achievement scholars spend 650 hours a year learning an advanced curriculum that is aligned to state standards. Higher Achievement’s year-round program is grounded in research. It combines high expectations with high support — demanding academic work plus mentoring, skill-building, individual student achievement plans, and personal encouragement. Elements of Higher Achievement include: - Afterschool Academy includes core subjects, such as literature and mathematics, as well as seminars, artistic electives, field trips, and opportunities to engage in community service. - Summer Academy includes coursework in literature, science, mathematics, social studies, and electives, as well as a three-day trip to a college. Small classes and mentoring sessions encourage intellectual curiosity and teach both basic skills and critical thinking. - Higher Achievement culminates with high school placement services, which help scholars advance to top academic high schools. In addition to helping scholars identify schools that fit their needs, Higher Achievement helps them prepare for placement tests, practice interview skills, complete applications, and identify resources for financial assistance. The Higher Achievement program also includes special academic events, including geography challenges, student readings of their own poetry, Olympics of the Mind, and the Green Apple awards.
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Thanks to Virginia Repertory Theatre for last night's showing of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which left the Higher Achievement Richmond scholars enchanted. Events like these play a crucial role in exposing scholars to the richness of their community and the opportunities that lie ahead for them. We can't wait to go back!
We’re deeply grateful to Accenture for facilitating an inspiring Hour of Code session with our scholars! Cecil B. "CJ", an Accenture employee and former Ward 8 mentor, brought his expertise and passion to this event, helping scholars explore the power of coding through an engaging video and online coding games. Hour of Code is about empowering every student to succeed in the digital world, and this session was a perfect example of how mentorship and technology can come together to inspire the next generation of leaders. Thank you, CJ and Accenture, for your dedication to creating brighter futures for our scholars!
Higher Achievement reposted this
Some days I wonder if all my work is in vain. Then I show up at Higher Achievement at Mount Royal, a Baltimore City Public Schools and see former Higher Achievement scholars that I BEGGGGGED to come back for an alumni panel this evening ❤️ This evening, my son, a senior at THE Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and The Ingenuity Project, Inc. student ambassador, the older brother of a current Higher Achievement scholar, two of my former mentees and myself gathered for an alumni Q&A. On the panel, I had two freshmen, a sophmore and a senior to answer questions. I answered questions from the parent's perspective. It was a delight to see the hands shoot up with questions. There were laughs and jokes because we all know about that Poly and the "other school" rivalry.. lol... but the scholars asked every question imaginable.... -was it hard to adjust from 8th grade to high school - was it hard to make friends - are there a lot of AP classes to take - what foreign languages does your school offer - is there a lot of homework - are there a lot of extracurricular activities - do they have study time - why is Poly the only school with Ingenuity (Ms. Morris, the students want options!) - are they afraid to go to school at UB while their school gets renovated - why are there so many fights - why were there so many gas leaks These 7th and 8th graders know about everything going on in these high schools! Tomorrow evening, my work continues as PCAB - Parent and Community Advisory Board for Baltimore City Public Schools will have its public meeting with guest, Dr. Santelises. Saturday, I'll be at the City Schools Choice Fair. I make it my work to make sure scholars and their families know about the opportunities and resources available to them. This is not easy work but it's rewarding when I hear those words, Hi Ms. Faison and get those hugs as they leave for the evening. That makes the fatigue worth it ❤️. #Mentoring #Scholars #CommunityEngagement #BoardService #Alumni #ParentInvolvement #VolunteersMatter #MentorsMatter
"Every once in a while, an afterschool program comes along that truly changes the way we do school...one of those programs is Higher Achievement." - Principal Kerry Richardson, Brookland Middle School Higher Achievement is more than an afterschool program — it's a critical partner in education, empowering scholars to achieve their academic and personal goals. As Principal Richardson shares: "[Higher Achievement's] impact on our school community has been significant. From bringing in guest speakers and lecturers, helping students through the high school application process, giving them interview skills, to hosting high school fairs. It's really been a one-stop shop for families, and I can't imagine that we would be able to do the work to the degree and the scale that we've been able to do it without Higher Achievement's help." Together, with schools, families, mentors, and supporters like YOU, we’re building a world where ALL students have access to the opportunities they deserve. Join us in supporting their bright futures. Consider making a gift or learning more about how you can partner with Higher Achievement: https://lnkd.in/enpk2WMU
The commitment of this community makes it possible for Higher Achievement to stand by our scholars during their biggest moments of growth and triumph. Your support – our collective support – makes a difference. Thank you for being a vital part of this community. For standing with us in the pursuit of educational equity. For believing in our scholars. For opening doors of possibility and supporting the often-overlooked middle school years. Together, we are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for young people.
Higher Achievement Baltimore Executive Director Toni Woodlon, Ed.D. shares a thoughtful piece on the heart and soul of #Baltimore: its resilience, hope, and the unwavering commitment of its community to empower youth through education and mentorship. Read the full reflection here: https://lnkd.in/eqhY_Z3P
Longtime Higher Achievement staff member James Morgan has stepped into a new role, as Executive Director of Higher Achievement DC Metro! James brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering educational equity for middle school students in the DC Metro area. Under his leadership, we look forward to continuing our mission of closing the opportunity gap and providing every scholar with the support they need to achieve their dreams. Learn more about James’ background and vision for Higher Achievement: https://lnkd.in/ewEGqrKR
Navigating the transition from 8th to 9th grade is essential for student success. At Higher Achievement, we gathered experts to discuss solutions, emphasizing mentorship, student support, and community partnerships. We’re committed to helping students navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and succeed. Learn about the insights shared at our recent panel discussion: https://lnkd.in/e5eiFWj2