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Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world.
Nelson Mandela
ENRICHMENT
The Batonga FoundationToday, more girls in Africa are graduating from elementary school than ever before. Yet war, poverty, prejudice, and even distance from school prevent 83% from completing secondary education. Piloting programs in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Mali, Cameroon, and Benin (where its founder was born and educated), the Batonga Foundation provides scholarships to > 2000 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 1st Floor, Washington, DC 20036, 202-510-7169 batongafoundation.org |
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BrainfoodBrainfood counts on the universal appeal of food to attract young people (most of whom struggle with poverty, violence, and a school system that fails to meet their needs) to an afterschool and summer program that gets them into a supportive, educational environment. Cooking is fun, but it also requires reading, math, creativity, teamwork, and > 1525 Newton Street NW, Washington, DC 20010, 202-667-5515 brain-food.org |
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Capital Partners for EducationCapital Partners for Education serves motivated students from under-resourced neighborhoods who need, and want, a rigorous high school preparatory education – and who also need the support that will let them succeed. The goal is college, and CPE offers the pathway: a unique package of tuition assistance to attend one of 17 partner private secondary > 1413 K Street NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20005, 202-682-6020 ext 227 cpfe.org |
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Chess Challenge in DCWith its complex rules and intricate strategies, chess is the ultimate game of the mind. But at Chess Challenge in DC, it is much more than that. It is a way to evaluate decisions, solve problems, and strengthen one's character. For under-served elementary and middle school students, Chess Challenge promotes academic and personal growth through a > 5185 MacArthur Boulevard, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20016, 202-560-1603 chesschallengeindc.org |
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College & Career ConnectionsIn Wards 7 and 8, only four out of ten high school freshman complete their senior year – and most drop out before they are sophomores. College & Career Connections works with students at this critical juncture, ensuring that they have a positive freshman experience and endowing them with the resources and drive to complete high school. A two-year, > 4620 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20019, (202) 536-4907 collegeandcareerconnections.org |
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College BoundCollege Bound targets underserved junior high and high school students who have the drive and desire to attend college. Each week, students meet one-on-one with college-educated mentors who assist them in math, SAT prep, and college admissions, with the goal of improving the District's historically low test scores and college-attendance rate. Mentors > 128 M Street NW, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20001, 202-842-0858 collegebound.org |
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CollegeTracksMontgomery County boasts one of the finest public school systems in the nation, yet some students never go to college. Standardized tests, application essays, and financial aid forms can prove daunting to low-income, first-generation-to-college students and families. CollegeTracks ensures that motivated students have the support they need to apply to > 5126 Manning Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-986-4124 collegetracksusa.org |
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Collegiate Directions, IncFrom standardized tests to financial aid forms to countless campus visits, the transition to college can be daunting for any high schooler. And for low-income, first-generation-to-college students, the challenges are even greater. Collegiate Directions, Inc helps students meet those challenges head-on. Partnering with six Montgomery County schools, CDI > 4833 Rugby Avenue, Suite 301, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-841-4878 collegiatedirections.org |
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DC Arts and Humanities Education CollaborativeThe city of Washington is rich in arts and culture, but budget constraints often prevent the city’s schools from taking advantage of its resources. The DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative works to help DC public and chartered public schools gain access to our vibrant arts world by removing the barriers to it. Offering workshops for teachers, > 1835 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-204-7751 dccollaborative.org |
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Educación Para Nuestro Futuro (formerly Escuela Bolivia)Thirteen years ago, Educación Para Nuestro Futuro was created by Bolivian parents determined to meet the educational needs of DC's growing (yet underserved) Latino population. Since then, it has empowered thousands of youth and families through transformative education and leadership development programs. At its Escuela Bolivia Program, 200 children > 2801 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 216, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-228-2560 edu-futuro.org |
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Education Pioneers - DC Metro AreaFor teachers and students alike, strong support from outside the classroom can make a world of difference inside. Education Pioneers specializes in just that: recruiting and fostering the development of smart, effective, driven individuals for leadership roles in education. Highly selective fellowship programs match business, education, law, and public > 2445 M Street NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20037, 202-591-6450 educationpioneers.org |
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For Love of ChildrenWe like to think of public education as the great equalizer, leveling the unequal fields on which our children's lives unfold. But it doesn't always work that way: a dispiriting combination of limited possibilities and unlimited obstacles sometimes deepens, instead of mending, the disparities. Expanding from its base in Shaw and Columbia Heights, For > 1763 Columbia Road NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-349-3518 floc.org |
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Hands on DCAn entirely volunteer-run organization, Hands on DC is in the business of producing transformations. Through projects and community engagement activities, the organization has recruited over 26,000 volunteers to improve the physical condition of more than 100 District public schools. Since its founding in 1994, Hands on DC has sponsored an annual > PO Box 57094, Washington, DC 20036, 202-667-5808 handsondc.org |
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Higher AchievementTargeting academically motivated students at a critical juncture – 5th through 8th grade – and working with them in the “gap” hours – 3:30 to 8pm during the school year and 8am to 4pm in the summer – Higher Achievement offers rigorous academic classes and stresses the discipline and dedication children need to succeed. A four-year, sustained academic > 317 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, (202)375-7731 higherachievement.org |
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Kid PowerAccording to the Civic Health Index, a steep decline in community involvement – one key indicator of a community’s wellness – is a worrisome sign. And perhaps it is no surprise that youth from under-served communities, who have dwindling connections to civic life, are among the least engaged. Poor reading and critical thinking skills, and lack of > 755 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202.383.4543 kidpowerdc.org |
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Live It Learn ItYoungsters study the sun with astronomers (and telescopes) at the National Air and Space Museum, recite a Frederick Douglass speech from the steps of his former home in Anacostia, and work with an artist at the Kreeger Museum to create Monet-inspired landscapes. Live It Learn It inspires academic achievement and ignites student potential through > 735 8th Street, SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003, 202-546-6223 liveitlearnit.org |
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Mentoring to ManhoodLast year in Prince George’s County, only 55% of black males graduated from high school. Change is needed, and Mentoring to Manhood is catalyzing it. A grassroots mentorship nonprofit, M2M offers personal and academic support to African-American middle and high school boys in the county. Almost 70% of M2M students come from single-parent homes; their > 3262 Superior Lane Suite 225, Bowie, MD 20715, 240-461-8474 m2minc.org |
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Mentors, IncHome to one of the nation's most highly educated populations, Washington, DC’s high school graduation rates are staggeringly low. In 1987, a DCPS educator and parent of a high school student saw an elegantly simple way to address the problem: place at-risk students in one-on-one relationships with trained adults, help them develop their potential, > 1012 14th Street NW, Suite 304, Washington, DC 20005, 202-783-2310 mentorsinc.org |
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New Community for ChildrenMost of the 100 kids at New Community for Children come from low-income homes where parents work long hours. For many, this program is like an extra set of parents, doing everything mom and dad would do – if only they could. Educational opportunity is essential to helping families rise out of poverty and NCFC offers engaging, hands-on learning > 1722 6th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, 202-232-0457 ext 3 ncfc-dc.org |
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New FuturesThe name says it best: New Futures is all about creating new opportunities for young people who once thought they had none. In the District, just over half of public school students graduate and only one in ten completes post-secondary education. But at New Futures, extremely low-income DC students receive the financial guidance and job mentorship > 1965 Biltmore Street NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202-285-1531 newfuturesdc.org |
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PlayworksThe name says it all: play can work wonders. Yet school principals report that 89% of discipline problems occur during lunch and recess, and 28% of schools with children at the highest poverty levels have no recess at all. Playworks replaces the chaos of the playground with safe, healthy, inclusive play. At 18 low-income schools around DC, it places > 600 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20003, 202-822-0097 playworks.org |
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The Posse FoundationThe Posse Foundation identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who might otherwise be overlooked in the college admissions process. It helps them pursue personal and academic excellence by placing them in supportive, multicultural teams (“posses”) of ten students that act as traveling support systems. > 1319 F Street NW, Suite 604, Washington, DC 20004, 202-347-7071 possefoundation.org |
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Reach for College!Reach for College! was founded in 2005 by two urban educators who saw how to help traditionally disadvantaged students overcome the obstacles to higher education. In the District, only 43% of students graduate and nearly half of those never attend college, leaving the vast majority unprepared for a world in which over 80% of jobs will require > 700 12th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, 202-246-7357 reachforcollege.org |
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ReSETThe results are in: ReSET is far more than a successful experiment. An all-volunteer organization of both retired and working scientists (including doctors, brain scientists, and NASA engineers), ReSET engages Pre-K and elementary students in the world of science, encouraging them to consider a future in the field. Serving over 1,700 children annually, > PO Box 9400, Washington, DC 20016, 703-250-0236 resetonline.org |
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Wilderness Leadership & LearningFor students of Wilderness Leadership & Learning, the natural and cultural worlds of Greater Washington are their classrooms. On Saturdays, school holidays, and summer break, WILL brings together at-risk high schoolers (who have great potential, but underperform in school) to peer behind the scenes at the Kennedy Center, canoe on the Anacostia, explore > 1758 Park Road NW, Washington, DC 20010, 202-319-2765 will-lead.org |
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LITERACY AND LEARNING
Academy of HopeThe literacy statistics in DC are staggering: approximately one in five adults has less than a high school education, and more than one in three functions below the most basic literacy level. And these numbers affect us all: there is a direct correlation between low literacy and poverty; and parents who have not graduated are much more likely to have > 601 Edgewood Street NE, Suite 25, Washington, DC 20017, 202-269-6623 aohdc.org |
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AppleTree Institute for Education InnovationLow-income children stand to gain the most from high quality pre-school education, but they are also the least likely to receive it. And this is true even though states predict the number of jail cells they will need by assessing the lack of reading proficiency in fourth graders. So you can see why AppleTree Institute is dedicated to closing the > 415 Michigan Avenue NE, Providence Hall, Washington, DC 20017, (202) 488-3990 appletreeinstitute.org |
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DC LEARNsSome 19% of DC adults perform "below basic" in prose literacy, and though there are many programs available to help them, it's often hard to know where to turn. DC LEARNs points them in the right direction. Washington's only literacy coalition, it communicates with power the importance of literacy as an investment in the community. To insure that > 1319 F Street NW, Suite 302, Washington, DC 20004, (202) 331-0141 ext 22 dclearns.org |
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Everybody Wins! DCHere in Washington, DC, only 14% of 4th graders and 12% of 8th graders read at the proficient level or above, and among 4th graders eligible for free or reduced lunch, an astonishing 71% read below the basic level. These are children at risk for failing – academically and socially. Everybody Wins! DC operates literacy and mentoring programs in 32 > 1213 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, 202-216-9467 ext. 201 everybodywinsdc.org |
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Fund for Investigative JournalismFreelance journalists are in a tight spot: subject to financial pressure, intimidation, and even threats, they lack the protections offered by major media outlets. Yet they remain dedicated to investigation, balance, and 'the story' – and the Fund for Investigative Journalism backs them up. By covering the reporting costs that freelancers often cannot > 529 14th Street NW- 13th floor, Washington, DC 20045, 202-662-7564 fij.org |
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The George B Thomas, Sr Learning AcademyAt the George B. Thomas Learning Academy, education takes a “back to basics” approach. Most of the 3,000 Montgomery County 1st through 12th graders who are eligible to attend belong to minority, low-income, or English as a second language families – and they trail their more affluent peers in achievement. The Academy works to reverse this trend. The > 7210 Hidden Creek Road, Bethesda, MD 20817, 301-320-6545 saturdayschool.org |
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Greenbrier Learning CenterTucked inside of prosperous Arlington County, Columbia Heights West and Pike Village Center are home to low-income, immigrant, and refugee families with limited resources and significant challenges. Almost 66% of Greenbrier Learning Center's children qualify for special services as English language learners or because of learning or behavioral > 5401 7th Road South, Arlington, VA 22204, 703-379-6488 greenbrierlearning.org |
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Heart of America FoundationWhen Heart of America Foundation began its Ambassador's program -- young role models visited schools and inspired students to serve their communities -- one thing quickly became apparent: the dire need for high-quality, age-appropriate books in schools. HOA now supports two principal programs, both focused on high-need elementary schools in which more > 401 F Street NW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20001, 202.347.6278 heartofamerica.org |
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Horizons Greater WashingtonIn kindergarten, the achievement gap between low-income and middle-class children is six months; by the end of fifth grade, the gap has widened to five times that. During the summer alone, low-income students can lose over two months worth of reading achievement. Fortunately, Horizons has other plans. Through a unique partnership between public > 3000 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202-939-8885 horizonsgreaterwashington.org |
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Inner City-Inner ChildHere are two extraordinary statistics: 61% of low-income families have no books at home for their children; 80% of their child care centers have none either. And children who don't grow up around books are likely to read poorly and read late. So Inner City-Inner Child focuses on igniting a passion for reading and creating a literacy-rich environment > 3133 Dumbarton Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-965-2000 ext 103 innercity-innerchild.org |
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Jumpstart DCWhen children from low-income communities start school, they are already an average of 60% behind their more affluent peers. Jumpstart DC means to make up the difference. Each year, hundreds of college student volunteers bring an innovative early literacy program to 700 children at 18 preschools – ensuring that each child has a successful transition to > 1612 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202-393-2272 jstart.org |
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Language ETCIt's double trouble: English classes cost money that many immigrant laborers can't afford, and they also require time that many just don't have. Luckily, Language ETC is there to help foreign-born adults -- that's one in six DC residents -- learn to speak English and navigate their world. With over 200 volunteers per trimester, LETC provides > 2200 California Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, 202-387-2412 languageetc.org |
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Latino Student FundWhen Latino youth become disengaged with a school system that fails to meet their language and cultural needs, they abandon it in frightening numbers, closing down a lifetime of opportunities that education can open. The Latino Student Fund provides financial aid, educational support, and mentoring through its Scholars Program, helping 85 students in > PO Box 5403, Washington, DC 20016, 202-244-3438 latinostudentfund.org |
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Literacy Council of Montgomery CountyReading and writing are activities so integral to daily life that we may not even notice we engage in them. But for the 100,000 residents of Montgomery County who are "limited English proficient," simple tasks like filling out a job application or scribbling a permission slip for a field trip pose almost impossible challenges. For the past 46 years, > 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 320, Rockville, MD 20850, 301-610-0030 literacycouncilmcmd.org |
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Literacy Council of Northern VirginiaIn a 400 square-mile area where 64 different languages are spoken and families hail from 40 different countries, the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s adult education programs are in great demand. Since 1962, LCNV has imparted the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English, empowering participants to engage more fully > 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, 703-237-0866, ext 102 lcnv.org |
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Lubuto Library ProjectLubuto Library Project means so many things to so many children: experiencing innovative, motivational mentoring that teaches traditional values in local languages and changes the lives of thousands of street children and youth; learning to read in seven Zambian languages through a new project in which Zambian reading teachers create computer programs > 5614 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 368, Washington, DC 20015-2604, 202-558-5609 lubuto.org |
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Passion for LearningFind your passion! That is the rallying cry of Passion for Learning – which strives to close the K-12 academic achievement gap through dynamic after-school programs for low-income Montgomery County students. P4L’s original programs continue to engage and excite: GRRL Tech (Girls Really, Really Love Technology) and Young Writers’ Academies improve > 1210 Woodside Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 301-562-6014 passionforlearning.org |
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Pueblo a PuebloInitially the plan was to reopen a community hospital in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. But in 2005, just six months after the doors had opened, mudslides from Hurricane Stan buried the building up to its roof and severely damaged the nearby Panabaj Elementary School. So the team switched gears, finding a new school location and feeding local school > PO Box 11486, Washington, DC 20008, 202-302-0622 puebloapueblo.org |
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The Reading ConnectionThe world of books offers children endless opportunities for discovery and adventure, learning and development. For 20 years, The Reading Connection has helped open up that world to at-risk children and parents by bringing literacy services and programs into emergency shelters, domestic violence safe houses, long-term shelters, and transitional > 4001 N. 9th Street Suite 226, Arlington, VA 22203, 703-528-8317 ext 12 thereadingconnection.org |
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Turning the PageAccording to the National Institute of Literacy, Washington, DC has the lowest adult literacy rate in the nation. And parents who cannot read with their kids find it much more challenging to support their learning. So Turning the Page makes education a family affair. Community Nights bring everyone together for workshops, mentoring, dinner, and book > 1010 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 915, Washington, DC 20005, 202-347-9841 turningthepage.org |
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SCHOOLS
Bridges Public Charter SchoolEach year, DCPS spends millions of dollars to place special needs students in private programs where average tuition is over $50,000 and transportation adds another $18,000. Bridges Public Charter School provides comprehensive educational and developmental services for typically developing, and special needs, preschoolers – free to families, and at > 1250 Taylor Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, 202 545-0515 ext. 101 bridgespcs.org |
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The Ellington FundThe Ellington Fund ensures a dynamic arts and academic experience for students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Now in its 36th year, the school educates and trains over 500 aspiring student artists a year, from all city wards. This year, young artists will take the stage for 20 public performances of theater, music, and dance and display their > 3500 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, 202-333-1235 ellingtonschool.org |
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Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter SchoolA unique charter school for children ages 3 to 12, Latin American Montessori Bilingual creates a nurturing, empowering environment both for non-native-English speakers (who might elsewhere be penalized for their lack of fluency) and English-dominant ones (who might otherwise not benefit from learning a new language). Regardless of their backgrounds > 1375 Missouri Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20011, 202.726.6200 lambpcs.org |
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Latin American Youth Center YouthBuild Public Charter SchoolA small, alternative school, YouthBuild PCS offers 16-24 year-olds who have dropped out, aged out, or been expelled from traditional high schools, a unique second chance. In an intimate, supportive environment students can take classes in English or Spanish, earn a GED diploma, acquire the skills to be successful in college or the workplace, and > 3014 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, 202.319.0141 youthbuildpcs.org |
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Multicultural Career Intern Program (MCIP)This unique partnership between a non-profit support organization (MCIP) and a public school (Bell Multicultural) enhances the curriculum with year-round services for students and families. And Bell students certainly lead challenging lives: the vast majority are poor, 90% are "language minority," over 60% arrived in the US within the last three years, > 3101 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, (202) 939-7702 checdc.org |
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The Next Step Public Charter SchoolImagine learning English for the first time, becoming the sole caregiver for a child, or holding a service job with unpredictable hours. Now imagine doing that while still in school. For many young immigrants, this is simply their reality, and traditional high schools just don't offer the support they need. But Next Step Public Charter School is not a > 3047 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, 202-319-0434 nextsteppcs.org |
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San Miguel SchoolNearly 100% of San Miguel Middle School students qualify for the national student lunch program (an indicator of poverty); over 50% come from single-parent homes; and all are either immigrants or the sons of immigrants. Latino boys are more likely than any other demographic to drop out (and join gangs) – but not here. Currently enrolling 62 at-risk > 7705 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20012, 202-232-8345 ext. 105 sanmigueldc.org |
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Washington Jesuit AcademyA tuition-free, academically demanding, private middle school, Washington Jesuit Academy is all about improving the odds for low-income, at-risk boys. Now in its 10th year, WJA has 138 alumni – 99% of whom are enrolled in or have graduated from high school. And while only 9% of low-income minority students from DC graduate from college, 80% of WJA’s > 900 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, (202) 832-7679 ext 201 wjacademy.org |
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The Washington Middle School for GirlsFor students at The Washington Middle School for Girls, a faith-based school that accepts students of all faiths, success means finding the courage to put on their uniforms and come to school every day. Washington’s Anacostia neighborhood is, after all, a difficult place to grow up. Often living in troubled families and usually under-served by schools > 1901 Mississippi Avenue, Southeast, Washington, DC 20020, 202-678-1113 washingtonmiddleschoolforgirls.org |
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