Relationships are at the heart of Higher Achievement’s impact. During weekly mentoring sessions, scholars and mentors form a connection built on trust, encouragement, and support. For 8th-grade scholar Jada and her mentor Ms. Apara, mentoring has been an opportunity to develop both academic skills and a personal bond.
Jada and her peers have spent the past year preparing to apply to and enroll in the high school of their choice. Recently, Jada participated in a high school preparation session at Higher Achievement where volunteers from EY led scholars in mock interviews and timed essay trials. Weekly mentoring sessions throughout the year reinforced interviewing, public speaking, and presentation skills. During a recent mentoring project, Jada created a poster about high schools and presented it to her fellow scholars. These experiences helped equip Jada with the skills and confidence to apply to three competitive high schools: Maggie Walker Governor’s School, Code RVA, and Open High School.
Jada is well-prepared to succeed in any high school she attends. Thanks to a partnership with Podium RVA, scholars receive weekly programming to strengthen their writing and communication skills. Recently, Jada participated in a writing workshop where she and her fellow scholars used an AI generator to create characters and write stories around them. “Mine took over the universe!” she laughed. Her creativity and storytelling skills stood out—earning her the top prize in the competition and a book as a reward.
Beyond skill-building, the mentorship experience has fostered a deep sense of community. “We talk about how we feel—in school and in life—and get to know each other,” says Jada. Their time together incorporates not only structured curriculum, like worksheets and writing exercises, but also conversations that strengthen their connection. “The most meaningful thing about Higher Achievement to me is Ms. Apara,” Jada affirms.
For Apara, a VCU student who joined Higher Achievement as a mentor her freshman year alongside some friends, the experience has been equally transformative. “I was looking for a volunteer opportunity. My friends trickled off, but personally, I love it,” she shared. Over time, Apara has seen incredible growth in Jada and her other mentees: “In 6th grade, they wouldn’t even talk to me. We’ve come really far. Jada is so much more outgoing.”
The impact of mentoring extends beyond the sessions. “I talk to my friends all the time about the program,” Apara says. “It’s a grounding experience for me. And my mentees love it.” For them, the most significant part of mentoring isn’t just the lessons—it’s the connection. “I love mentoring because we have a genuine bond. That’s what mentoring is all about. It boils down to being a safe space. I get to be someone who they can trust and talk to. We do lessons too, but the bond is the most meaningful part.”
Mentors play a crucial role in Higher Achievement’s community of support, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of scholars.