Higher Achievement's rigorous afterschool and summer academic program closes the opportunity gap for middle school youth in at-risk communities. The program's proven model provides a rigorous year-round learning environment, caring role models, and a culture of high expectations, resulting in college-bound scholars with the character, confidence, and skills to succeed. On average, 95 percent of scholars who complete Higher Achievement advance to top academic high school programs and 93 percent advance to college (compared to 53% of their peers in DC).

A key component of the program relies on the dedication and instruction from weekly mentors, who teach math and literature. Each scholar has 3 mentors, who coach, guide, and teach both hard and soft skills. In the final year of the 4 year program, scholars work with mentors on their high school applications, essays, and interview skills.

Over the past two years, seven VISTA members at Higher Achievement have responded to the growing need for youth mentors in the District of Columbia. Together they have increased the number of mentors by 20% and recruited more than 532 weekly mentors, resulting in 19,950 community service hours annually (a total value of $426,132). In addition to building community partnerships, VISTA’s have developed new volunteer trainings, built capacity to serve 70 more students at a new center in Anacostia, created parent engagement workshops, created and implemented a 9th grade transition institute for recent graduates, created a study skills handbook, and currently are implementing a new service-learning program for 7th and 8th grade students in collaboration with other local agencies.

Building on the success of our volunteer outreach and management, Higher Achievement was awarded a direct service Americorps grant through the DC state office. These Achievement Fellows have worked to improve the systems and communication with schools, teachers, and parents, and are the bridge between the school, community, and families.

After 35 years of growing and learning in DC, we now look foward to continued success in our expansion affiliates in Baltimore, Richmond, and Pittsburg!