Students, families, communities, and institutions served by Higher Achievement face significant uncertainty returning to school this fall. Our strategic response to gaps in instruction from 2020 supports the most urgent academic, social, and emotional needs of middle school youth in our region.
Our Program Model in School Year 2021-2022
Scholars participate in small-group literacy tutoring that develops their reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and writing skills. Additional blended learning time is offered that aligns with their in-school lessons and academic goals. Throughout programming, scholars build social-emotional skills meeting the unique needs of middle school students of color.
Caring adult mentors work with scholars weekly to take steps to identify, apply, and enroll in college preparatory high school programs. Scholars and families meet one-on-one with staff quarterly to define their personal and educational goals and develop a plan to reach them. Our 9th-grade program prepares scholars for a successful transition to high school through semi-annual check-ins, quarterly events, and program referrals.
Academic curriculum and activities are grounded in our four social justice pillars—voice, freedom, justice, and solidarity. Community Meetings incorporate discussion of current events through a social justice lens, and during mentoring, scholars engage with activities related to the four themes. Scholars are encouraged to live out the pillars during program, such as using their voice by making decisions at center.