Overview
Partner Schools
Services & Benefits
Culture & Community Service
Parent Involvement
Student Responsibilities
Summer Programs


Damien Scobie ‘12
“achieve has taught me so much about giving back to the community. I have always liked seeing other people happy but I thought that in order to do that I would have to do something really big. But now I know that it does not matter if what I do is big or small, there is someone who will appreciate it.”

Issam Hamdallah ‘12
“achieve has given me everything I need to succeed in life. They have given me a second family that I know I can always count on for support.”

Ruben Aguayo ‘13
“What I like best about the achieve program is the different activities and cultural experiences we share with each other, and all the wonderful help that we receive from the achieve mentors, that help us to stay in track and continue to succeed.”

Analis Ibarra ‘12
“achieve has taught me that helping others is not only a great way to give back to our community but also our duty as people. I have learned that being able to help others is very satisfying and rewarding.”

Tifanny Li ‘13
“achieve has taught me many values of giving back to my community, which has been a new experience for me and it has been truly rewarding.”

Angela McNeal '12
“One thing achieve has definitely taught me is how to explore the many college options available. I had already made up my mind on a certain college because I heard about it, but achieve has helped me to broaden my horizons. I now know that I will pick a college based on MY interests and needs, not on status.”

Ian David ‘12
“The greatest impact achieve has had on my life so far is knowing that I have a second family that loves and cares for me.”

Jorge Navarro ‘13
“achieve has taught me the importance of being selfless, connecting with others from various backgrounds, and the importance of making change happen by being an active member of my community.”

Gabriela Colmenares ‘13
“What I like best about the achieve Program is that they keep me on top of
my school work, and from the first day, work to prepare me for college.”

Jennifer Urdaneta '13
“I was really amazed when I realized that the achieve Program not only helps us financially, but they really do care about all of us. achieve has taught me that even though I do not have a lot of money, I can help my community in so many other ways.”

Luana Deng ‘13
“achieve has taught me to believe and succeed in everything and anything. achieve pushes and pushes you to reach all of your goals until one day you look back and smile at your accomplishments.”

Sara Sologaistoa ‘13
“achieve has taught me that no matter what, if you try hard and give your best, opportunities will always be there for you.”

Van Joseph Macasaet ‘13
"achieve has taught me that there are countless people in need. It makes me realize that my life is very fortunate and, I would be glad to lend a helping hand to those who need it the most."

Services and Benefits

 From the moment 8th graders are accepted into achieve, they become a part of a large supportive family network that now includes over sixty alumni. achieve provides a wide range of support services and benefits to students and their families.

Tuition grants
Need-based grants are awarded on a sliding scale. Partner schools provide additional tuition assistance. All families are expected to make some contribution toward tuition.

Supplemental fund
Individual funds are set up at the school to offset the cost of academic/school related expenses including books and uniforms.

Homework Support
The program monitors student progress and works with the school to provide needed support.

Educational workshops
Workshops, often featuring guest speakers, are held at the school sites. Topics include careers, financial planning, study skills and public speaking.

Cultural excursions
As an integral part of our program, students attend theater, ballet, opera, symphony, and museum exhibits. Students receive background information and spend time reflecting on their experiences.

College Tours and Counseling
Throughout the four years in the program intensive college advising is provided. Juniors tour East Coast colleges in the fall semester and then begin individualized college counseling, test and college essay preparation which continues through summer and senior year.

Community Service
All Achieve students complete a forty hour community service project each year.

Student mentoring & support
Students meet regularly at each school site in both large and small groups, as well as individual meetings with program staff.

Parent education & support
Regular family meetings are held at each school site. achieve staff make home visits and are available to support and counsel parents as they face the challenges of raising adolescents.

Paid summer internships
Summer internships are an opportunity for students to experience the work world. Students keep a small portion of their stipend while the remainder is placed in a personal savings account for college expenses.

Annual social events
Each year achieve hosts a Christmas Party for current students.