High Jump
In 1989, High Jump started with a single, mighty mission:
To bring equity to education for Chicago middle grade students who have exhibited academic ambition and potential and who are of limited economic means.
Today, that mission is stronger than ever. High Jump empowers Chicago’s middle schoolers to become well-rounded leaders through our tuition-free programs with one-of-a-kind experiences, resources, and educational support for curious and motivated 7th and 8th-grade students who want to challenge themselves academically.
We believe that the best way to really understand High Jump’s impact is to hear from our scholars directly! Here’s what Rizqi, one of High Jump's 8th graders had to say about her journeys in her final year of High Jump before she makes the leap to high school.
What does High Jump mean to you?: “High Jump means to me as a way to learn outside of my school. To understand more topics and to meet new people. My favorite thing about High Jump is my friends, and I find them a really relaxing way to de-stress and not think about homework and such.”
What new interests have you discovered at High Jump?: “Over the summer we learned about topics like gravity and Newton’s Laws of Motion. And with that we actually did a really cool egg drop. Labs like that make it more understandable.”
How has High Jump helped you in your high school application process?: “High Jump has this elective which is called high school choice which really helps us 8th graders understand the process. So far, the teachers have provided us with different scholarships to apply to, and have offered recommendation letters for us, which will be really helpful in the future. It's also helped me realize that my dream high school would have an array of different topics and electives and AP classes.”
How has your vision for yourself changed since you started at High Jump?: “In the beginning of High Jump, I’d say I was less confident and less out-going. But High Jump has given me confidence and hope for high school, college, and the future.”
Financials
Programs
Scholars Program
Student First. Hands-On. Campus Based.
High Jump Scholars is a tuition-free program with one-of-a-kind experiences, access to resources, and educational opportunities.
Students are intellectually curious and academically motivated, and they seek a high school experience that will challenge them socially and academically. The program takes place at three campuses in Chicago with teachers from across the city.
The program meets 5 weeks in the summer and 2-3 times a month on Saturdays during the school year at one of our partner schools (Latin School of Chicago, Francis W. Parker School, and the University of Chicago Laboratory School).
High Jump Scholars make new friends and gain meaningful experiences, including field trips, high school networking, and hands-on learning activities. They also discover new interests with electives such as visual arts, film studies, music history, and more!
During eighth grade, High Jump supports students and their families with the high school admissions process, financial aid and scholarship information they need to prepare for high school and college success.
Community Scholars Pilot Program
Student-First. Hands-on. More Accessible.
High Jump Community Scholars is a tuition-free program with one-of-a-kind experiences, access to resources, and educational opportunities.
Students are intellectually curious and academically motivated, and they seek a high school experience that will challenge them socially and academically. The program is designed to bring programming to neighborhood schools and reach more students across Chicago.
Community Scholars is currently hosted at: George B. Armstrong Elementary or Philip Rogers Fine Arts Elementary
Community Scholars attend the program at their public school. The program begins immediately following dismissal and is taught by teachers from their school. The program begins immediately following dismissal and is taught by teachers from their school.
During eighth grade, High Jump supports students and their families with the high school admissions process, financial aid and scholarship information they need to prepare for high school and college success.
Alumni Scholars
Every High Jump 8th-grade student works one-on-one with teachers and staff to ensure a right-fit high school selection that will support their needs and goals. We also work with students and their families on the high school admissions process, including financial aid and scholarship options.
Our high school and college-aged alums have many opportunities to stay engaged and connected to the High Jump community:
Returning as teaching assistants in our Scholars program
Summer enrichment programs that support the transition from elementary to high school
Workshops to support the college application process and SAT prep
Networking, job placement, and more for career development and growth
We provide opportunities for our high school and college-aged alums to stay engaged and connected to the High Jump community. Returning to the program as a paid Teacher’s Assistant, helps support new cohorts of High Jump Scholars while gaining invaluable real-world job experience.
Volunteering + Events
Mock Interviews
Meet with and interview eighth-grade scholars to help them prepare for their upcoming high school admissions interviews.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at [email protected]
Admissions Interviews
Every year we admit a new cohort of students and our annual admissions interviews are a unique opportunity for you to participate.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at [email protected]