A rigorous evaluation of Higher Achievement shows the program significantly improves standardized test scores for middle school youth. The Higher Achievement Program (HAP) is an intensive, academically focused out-of-school-time program that serves low-income 5th through 8th graders. It provides supplemental academic instruction and support through summer school and after-school components.
In 2006, we (along with the Atlantic Philanthropies) funded a randomized trial study of participants in Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA, which examined HAP’s overall impact on youth two years after enrollment. Investigators Richard Tagle, Jean Grossman, Maureen Holla, Carla Herrera, and Leigh Linden worked on the evaluation and the resulting report, along with an academic paper by Dr. Linden, are now available. The team found that students assigned to Higher Achievement did measurably better in both reading comprehension and math, compared with youth in the control group. HAP also aspires to increase attendance at competitive high schools. A further follow-up study is underway to assess those results.
Read the Findings