Our Success
HHYEP was founded as a non-profit in 2004. We Empower, Encourage, and Equip marginalized, under-represented student populations to explore, create a plan and succeed in their goal to obtain a post-secondary education thereby changing the lives of these college-bound students. We’ve committed to empowering communities through statewide comprehensive outreach, initiatives, and partnerships with schools, groups, and businesses to help students achieve their educational and career goals. We envision every under-represented student in the State of Connecticut to have full and equal access to a quality post-secondary education.
The Need
HHYEP is thriving; 1,000 students have been empowered, encouraged, and equipped to obtain a post-secondary education: 100% of our students have graduated from high school; 95% are enrolled or enrolling in college; HHYEP is poised to grow and serve an additional 500 students annually, a 20 percent increase.
The community need for our evidenced based program is challenging our ability to serve, grow and be sustainable.
Our need is critical as Bridgeport, Hartford have all asked for the program (in addition to our current programs in New Haven and Hamden) in whole or part to be implemented this school year. Because of our work and success, The American College Application Campaign in Washington, D.C. has recently asked Higher Heights to be the lead agency in Connecticut to train districts and coordinate the campaign across the state.
In Connecticut, 26% of adults possess a high school diploma or less, while 6 out of 10 of the state’s jobs require some post-secondary credential. In New Haven in 2014, 85% of high School seniors graduated on time -- slightly lower than the Connecticut-wide range of 87%. Whereas, 71.5% of minority students are graduating on time compared to 85% of white students. These numbers coupled with Higher Heights’ current demand for services and projected growth will have a profound impact on our educational system.
The community need for our evidenced based program is challenging our ability to serve, grow and be sustainable.
Our need is critical as Bridgeport, Hartford have all asked for the program (in addition to our current programs in New Haven and Hamden) in whole or part to be implemented this school year. Because of our work and success, The American College Application Campaign in Washington, D.C. has recently asked Higher Heights to be the lead agency in Connecticut to train districts and coordinate the campaign across the state.
In Connecticut, 26% of adults possess a high school diploma or less, while 6 out of 10 of the state’s jobs require some post-secondary credential. In New Haven in 2014, 85% of high School seniors graduated on time -- slightly lower than the Connecticut-wide range of 87%. Whereas, 71.5% of minority students are graduating on time compared to 85% of white students. These numbers coupled with Higher Heights’ current demand for services and projected growth will have a profound impact on our educational system.
In Connecticut, 26% of adults possess a high school diploma or less
Our Goals for 2019-2020
To increase the educational opportunity for every child and young adult in Connecticut to address the educational attainment gap in Connecticut, specifically amongst minority, low-income, first generation students:
- Expand reach to place 3 college graduates to serve as College Advisors through our College Advising Program providing direct service to high school seniors.
- Enroll 40 students in our after-school College Access Program (grades 9 - 12)
- Increase Connecticut's FAFSA completion rate from 23% to 40%.
- Host 100 seniors in the Summer College Application Bootcamp hosted at Albertus Magnus College.
Demand for services and projected growth will have a profound impact on our educational system.
Student & Parent Responses
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"Thank you for making my child matter! The program is a true family and I am so thankful for all that you have done!"
"Without Higher Heights, as a parent, I don’t do where we would be. The program helped us so much through the financial aid process. Thank you!" "With all of the knowledge I gained from these prep classes, I was able to raise my SAT score 200 points higher than it was originally." "As a result of the program my SAT scores improved by 100 points!" "You guys opened up my eyes… Now I know the requirements for colleges and how to get in!" "Improved my verbal scores by 70 points!" "My grades went up from attending the program and I tested better this year!" "I really improved my score of the PSAT and got some of the help that I needed." "My college essays and my choices helped me more to prepare for the fall semester. I would recommend higher heights to someone else." "This has been a wonderful experience being in this program, I know I can make it!" 
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