Higher Achievement
Richmond
Higher Achievement Richmond is a place of joy and connection, rigor and high expectations, exploration and big dreams.
Where Talent Meets Opportunity
Higher Achievement’s afterschool program for 6th through 8th-grade scholars combines academic enrichment with social-emotional skill building, culminating in placement in college preparatory high schools.
Scholars participate in learning blocks to complete homework and work on high school applications, build relationships and high school readiness skills with a weekly mentor, practice social-emotional skill-building during gathering times and community meetings, explore new interests through electives, and take part in field trips throughout the year.
Our Centers
Richmond Main Office
100 Everett St. Office #4
Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 566-7705
Email: info@higherachievement.org
Boushall Achievement Center
T.C. Boushall Middle School
3400 Hopkins Road
Richmond, VA 23234
Dogwood Achievement Center
Dogwood Middle School, RPS School of Art Integration
1701 Floyd Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
Henderson Achievement Center
Thomas H. Henderson Middle School
4319 Old Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227
Our Scholars
Higher Achievement scholars are driven and talented. They dedicate over 300 hours per year to Higher Achievement, strengthening their academic skills, building their confidence, and exploring their passions.
We match their commitment with dedicated staff, supportive mentors, and joyful learning experiences to support their development.
“Higher Achievement not only helped me academically, but also taught me positivity, respect, empathy, and confidence, and so much more. Skills that I will need in everyday life.”
Kennedy,
Richmond Scholar
“The most meaningful thing about Higher Achievement to me is my mentor. We talk about how we feelβin school and in lifeβand get to know each other.”
Jada,
Dogwood Scholar
“Being able to have opportunities has gotten me to where I am now. I first learned collaboration at Higher Achievement. It shaped me, and Iβve taken that skill with me everywhere.”
Davion,
Boushall Alumna
Rigor. Relationships. Results.
Higher Achievement is where talent and opportunity meet to launch lifelong success. Scholars make academic gains while building the social-emotional skills that are critical for success in high school and beyond.
120+
scholars supported
across our Richmond Achievement Centers
75%
of scholars maintain an A or B or improve a letter grade in English
67%
of scholars maintain an A or B or improve a letter grade in Math
94%
percent of scholars are accepted at one of the schools/programs to which they applied
Supporter Spotlight
Community is at the heart of our work. Higher Achievement is honored to work with partners who share our commitment to seeing, supporting, and caring for every single scholar.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, from mentoring and joining the Advisory Board, to hosting β¨a career day and donating financially.
What We’re Up To
Mentors make a DIFFERENCE! In just one hour a week, you can:
πEmpower scholars to identify their talents and pursue their dreams.
πΌBroaden your professional skillset.
π₯Build lasting relationships.
π§βπ«Connect with talented youth in your community.
πͺHelp scholars build confidence in their abilities.
Learn more about becoming a mentor at the link in our bio.
Longtime Higher Achievement mentor Ms. Sandy understands the important support role mentoring plays in a studentβs life.
βOur scholars have teachers at school, and Iβm not their teacher,β says Ms. Sandy. βI feel like what I bring to the table is an opportunity to share advice, be present, and be a sounding board for scholars.β
Ms. Sandy strives to create a space where young people feel seen, supported, and valued. Her scholars know they can count on her to be there for them, week after week, and year after year.
Ms. Sandy recognizes that mentors do not always get to see the full impact of their efforts, but she thinks of mentoring as an act of planting seeds. βWe may never see how, or if, that seed blossoms. We just have to hope that at some point it continues to be nurtured.β
After years of mentoring, she knows that those seeds matter. Former scholars return to share their achievements, reach out to stay connected, and reflect on lessons they continue to carry with them.
When mentors like Ms. Sandy make a commitment to show up, to listen, and to encourage, the seeds they plant take root and flourish.
Read more about Ms. Sandy`s mentoring experience, and apply to become a mentor yourself, on our website (link in bio).
The first day of school will be here before we know it, and we can`t wait to welcome back our scholars!
In the meantime, don`t forget that this weekend (Friday, August 7-Sunday, August 9) is Virginia`s Sales Tax Holiday. During this event, you can buy qualifying school supplies ($20 or less per item), clothing and footwear ($100 or less per item), and specific emergency or hurricane preparedness items without paying state or local sales tax.
Higher Achievement recently hosted a new opportunity for rising 9th graders: the 9th Grade Bridge Retreat, a three-day experience bringing together scholars from DC, Baltimore, and Richmond at @AmericanUniversity.
During workshops, scholars practiced algebra skills, completed a literary analysis of Romeo and Juliet, heard from a panel of Higher Achievement alumni and @osse.dc Superintendent of Education, Dr. Mitchell, explored problem-solving skills for real-world scenarios in high school, and identified capabilities and interests that would serve them in the next chapter of their educational journey.
Scholars left the retreat ready for the transition to high school, and with a glimpse into the college experience. Scholars toured campus, spent the night in dorms, and built connections with students from other schools and cities.
We are grateful for the community partners, alumni, staff, and supporters who made this experience possible for scholars! Thank you to @AmericanUniversity, @PodiumRVA, @SparkJourneyDC, @PartnershipfortheFuture, @CollegeTrack, @osse.dc, and all of our alumni panelists and workshop facilitators.
Do you believe in the power and potential of young people? Than you have what it takes to be a mentor!
Mentors offer encouragement, guidance, and tools that help middle school scholars build confidence in their abilities and prepare them for a bright future.
Consider giving just one hour a week as a volunteer mentor. Your life, and the lives of your scholars, will be changed.
Learn more and apply using the link in our bio!
Consider becoming a volunteer mentor this upcoming school year!
Mentors work with a small group of middle school scholars as they explore high school, college, and career options, and support them in taking steps to access those options.
Higher Achievementβs mentors are key partners to our scholarsβ success. In just one hour a week, they empower scholars to identify their talents and pursue their dreams, and build lasting relationships.
Learn more and apply using the link in our bio!
You can make a difference as a volunteer mentor!
Mentors work with a small group of middle school students each week as they build the confidence and skills to pursue their dreams. Mentoring curriculum includes writing, reading, and critical thinking activities.
Mentoring takes place from approximately 5:30-6:30 p.m. for the duration of the school year, and all materials and training are provided. No experience is necessary!
Learn more and apply using the link in our bio π
We`re hiring! π
Higher Achievement is looking for passionate, people-first educators to join our afterschool team this fall:
Center Lead β $25/hr | MonβThu, 3:30β6:30 PM
Facilitate learning blocks, electives, and community meetings for middle school scholars. A great fit for current college students or those with at least 3 years of structured youth work experience.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for both roles.
Both positions offer paid training, consistent afterschool hours, and the chance to make a direct, visible impact on scholars during a critical stage of their development.
We believe talent is everywhere β but opportunity is not. If you`re ready to help expand opportunities, we`d love to hear from you.
π Apply now: https://lnkd.in/e2pwHBeu
