Dedicated to closing the opportunity gap, Higher Achievement serves more than 500 academically motivated middle-schoolers from under-resourced communities, providing them with rigorous year-round learning, caring role models, and a culture of high expectations. All students participate in the program’s three components – a serious commitment that results in college-bound scholars with the character, confidence, and skills to succeed. At the Afterschool Academy, volunteer mentors offer tutoring and small-group instruction three times per week, paired with a hands-on, educational elective – and a healthy supper. To combat learning loss, a six-week Summer Academy includes core academic classes as well as field trips and college visits. And finally, high school placement services help scholars advance to college-preparatory schools. 95% of participants graduate from high school on time (compared with 68% citywide). For these determined scholars, your help means success in high school and beyond.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 6

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 6; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; MD-Prince George's County; VA-City of Alexandria; Ward 1, DC; Ward 4, DC; Ward 6, DC; Ward 7, DC; Ward 8, DC; Alexandria, VA; Greenbelt, MD; Brookland, DC

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students

Schools They Work In: Meridian Public Charter School; Ida B. Wells Middle School; Brookland Middle School; Eliot-Hine Middle School; Kelly Miller Middle School; KIPP AIM DC; Frances C. Hammond Middle School; Greenbelt Middle School

Awards & Recognition

2014 - Recipient of $12 million Investing in Innovation (i3) grant from the U.S. Department of Education

2013 - Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating

2012 - Social Impact Exchange S&I 100: Named one of the top 100 most impactful nonprofits in the United States

2011 - MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award from the Afterschool Alliance

2009 - White House: Coming Up Taller Award from the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities

2006 - Johns Hopkins University: Excellence in Summer Learning Award

Press

Budget (FY2014)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Higher Achievement is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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