Mission

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.

  • ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

    Advanced math, science, literature, and humanities classes

  • SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

    Emotionally supportive environment that teaches non-cognitive skills needed to be successful

  • HIGH SCHOOL SELECTION

    Support for high school including applications, financial aid and scholarships

  • MIDDLE SCHOOL

    Commit to two years of tuition-free academic enrichment through our Scholars or Community Scholars program.

  • HIGH SCHOOL

    Continued academic enrichment, college counseling and readiness, and financial aid literacy support for getting to and through college.

  • COLLEGE

    Stay connected and feel supported all the way through college with our alumni support programs.

student at moving up ceremony | High Jump Chicago

Supporting scholars since 1989

Since 1989, High Jump has continued to advance its mission to close the education opportunity gap in Chicago and ensure long-term academic success for ambitious middle schoolers. Take a look at our timeline to see how High Jump has been inspiring the next generation of leaders for more than 30 years.

High Jump Mission Statement

High Jump equalizes access to education for Chicago middle school students who have exhibited academic ambition and potential and who are of limited economic means.

We provide academic enrichment, counseling and support to students of diverse backgrounds, with the goals of sending our participants to superior college preparatory schools, ensuring their success while they are there, and enhancing their ability to gain admission to highly regarded four-year colleges and universities.

Hear from our Executive Director

High Jump Annual Report (2021-2022)