It is with deep gratitude that we share the impact of Higher Achievement’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Campaign.
Three years ago, we launched an ambitious strategic plan to invest in our core program, innovate to scale our impact, and strengthen our long-term sustainability. In tandem, we initiated our 50th Anniversary Campaign to meet these ambitious goals while honoring our 50-year milestone. Our incredible community of alumni, donors, volunteers, partners, and families made this celebration—and the campaign—a tremendous success.
Campaign Goals and Achievements
Our two-part campaign, Gift for Today and Gift for Tomorrow, was designed to deepen our impact across all regions while building a strong foundation for the next 50 years.
Gift for Today
We raised $1.9 million, which allows us to:
- Expand the number of scholars benefiting from targeted academic enrichment, mentoring, and social-emotional support
- Launch new high school placement advising efforts, including Family Navigator Sessions and 9th Grade Bridge Summer Retreats
- Family Navigator Sessions have already reached more students in DC, Baltimore, and Richmond with open sessions for current 7th graders to learn about the high school placement process.
- Our 9th Grade Summer Retreat will host Higher Achievement alumni and students from our partner schools across our three regions for a three-day, overnight 9th grade summer bridge retreat planned for July 2026 at American University for rising 9th graders.
Gift for Tomorrow
For the first time in our history, Higher Achievement established an endowment—supported by $5.8 million in commitments through the Gift for Tomorrow initiative—and launched a new Planned Giving program. Endowment funds will:
- Sustain annual operations for the equivalent of one Achievement Center in perpetuity
- Create a new “Last Dollar Fund” scholarship to support alumni with unmet college costs beginning this spring
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our 50th Anniversary Committee—co-chaired by Rick England, Carlos Garcia, Patrice Howard, and Mary Maguire—as well as our Going Places 2025 Committees, Sponsors, Honorees, and all the champions who propelled this campaign forward.
Stay Involved!
While the campaign has concluded, our mission continues with urgency and purpose. We invite you to stay connected by:
- Becoming a mentor
- Meeting with our new Director of Individual Giving, Ashley Bianchi to explore giving opportunities, including planned gifts
- Sharing our 50th anniversary video and media coverage
- Saving the date for Going Places 2026: October 28, 2026 at Capital Turnaround
All of this brilliant success is because of YOU. Our powerful, diverse, beloved community. We are humbled and grateful.