Higher Achievement: Strengthening Academic Skills, Attitudes, and Behaviors, and Navigating the High School Application Process for Disadvantaged Middle School Students

Higher Achievement is an intensive summer and after-school program that targets rising fifth and sixth graders from at-risk communities, aiming to strengthen their academic skills, attitudes, and behaviors, and help them navigate the process of applying to and selecting a high-quality high school. The program provides up to 650 hours of academic instruction per year, as well as enrichment activities and targeted academic mentoring. It includes two main components: the Afterschool Academy and the Summer Academy, both of which participating scholars are required to attend. The Afterschool Academy is offered three days a week during the school year, and includes homework help, dinner, arts or recreation electives, community gatherings, and small-group academic instruction using a structured curriculum. The Summer Academy operates for six weeks, five days a week, and includes four core classes focusing on academic concepts, as well as electives and field trips.