Higher Achievement

Mission

MISSION & HISTORY
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. In Baltimore, DC Metro, and Richmond, Higher Achievement partners with middle school scholars as they pursue their ambitions by offering academic and social-emotional tools and encouragement.

What We Do
Middle school is a pivotal time for academic and social development that sets young people up for post-secondary success, and at Higher Achievement, we are committed to helping students define and pursue their personal and educational goals during these formative years.

Higher Achievement’s model delivers educational support grounded in social justice principles. Our afterschool program for 5th-8th grade scholars combines academic enrichment with social-emotional skill building, culminating in placement in college preparatory high schools.

Academic Enrichment and Homework Support: Higher Achievement’s academic enrichment activities sharpen scholars’ reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, critical thinking, and writing and presentation skills. During learning blocks, scholars participate in educational electives, work on high school applications, and complete their homework with support from staff.

Mentoring for High School Readiness: Scholars work with a mentor weekly to define and pursue their personal and educational goals, gain awareness of high school, college, and career options, and take steps to access those options. Scholars and families meet one-on-one with staff quarterly to define their personal and educational goals and develop a plan to reach them.

Social-Emotional Skill Building Rooted in Social Justice: Academic curriculum and activities are grounded in social justice and the development of social-emotional skills. During mentoring and community meetings, scholars are given the tools and space to understand and manage their emotions, build empathy, and advance their leadership skills. Mentors and staff establish meaningful relationships with scholars and help them to identify, harness, express, and build confidence in their innate abilities.

Organization Information