The K to College model consists of two distinct but sequential out of school programs - Pioneer Scholars and Scholars to College - each specifically designed to meet the needs of low-income students with academic promise.

Pioneer Scholars serves students throughout their elementary and middle school years, preparing them for a college preparatory course of study in high school. As students finish middle school and "graduate" from the Pioneer Scholars program, they transition into high school as well as into the support of the Scholars to College program.

This long-term continuity in programming, of expectations, and in relationships makes the K to College model a unique approach designed to achieve great results, breaking the cycle of poverty within families and ultimately changing communities.

In a few short years, as our first K to College students proudly step onto a college campus prepared to succeed, we'll be developing systematic support to ensure their success there as well.

The Pioneer Scholars Program

All told, Pioneer Scholars students spend an average of 10 hours weekly in out of school programming at the Center, with many students and parents electing to participate in additional Center-based programs to further their development. With expert staff, high impact academic interventions, and low student to adult ratios, this time is incredibly well-spent - the equivalent of a nearly an extra day and a half of school each week with the expectations for even greater impact.

Students are individually assessed to ensure they receive academic interventions that best meet their needs and achieve their goals. They participate in highly-structured tutoring daily to develop and accelerate academic skills. It is delivered by certified teachers and well-supported volunteers and mentors in an environment that demands high performance and commitment.

That commitment extends through the summer, providing students with an academic summer bridge program and more programming opportunities at the Center. After a short break, students resume another year in the Pioneer Scholars program as a new school year begins. Throughout elementary and middle school, students continue to benefit from the support of the Pioneer Scholars program, becoming increasingly stronger and better positioned to excel in high school and progress towards college.

The Scholars to College Program

Succeeding in high school and readying for college requires more than strong academic skills and good intentions - low-income students who enter high school with strong academic records still attend college at remarkably low rates. Scholars to College will reverse those odds, helping to assure that students with high potential evolve into the students and leaders they should be.

Most of the students who enroll in the Scholars to College program will be transitioning up from the Pioneer Scholars program. Many of the program elements are the same - strong academic focus, high expectations, and high impact programming. But the program design is more flexible, accommodating high school students' varied schedules and more developed academic interest areas.

Individualized academic guidance, a college-preparatory curriculum, access to tutorials, college-going expectations, environment, and experiences, mentoring, and parent empowerment programming ensure that Scholars to College students achieve in and out of school, putting themselves in a strong position to gain admission and attend a college of their choice.