The Lasting Impact of High Jump

June 13, 2022 / Comments Off on The Lasting Impact of High Jump
Teacher and students in a classroom

After hearing from two students and a teaching assistant currently in High Jump, we want to share with you once again the real and powerful impact of the program as told from the perspective of students who went through it. But this time, we wanted you to hear from two of our alumni who graduated…

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Vision of the future of High Jump

June 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Vision of the future of High Jump

For over 30 years, High Jump has changed the lives of more than 2,500 middle school students in Chicago. While our first cohort in 1989 had just 16 students enrolled, High Jump has grown over the years and now serves more than 285 new students each year through our programs.  After three decades of honing…

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Xiomara (High Jump Cohort 19) on #MyPathToGoogle

June 23, 2021 / Comments Off on Xiomara (High Jump Cohort 19) on #MyPathToGoogle

In the latest #MyPathToGoogle product marketing manager, Xiomara Contreras, shares her best career tips and insights on what it’s like to find a role at the intersection of social justice issues, education, youth mentorship, and tech.

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What They Carry with Them

June 15, 2021 / Comments Off on What They Carry with Them

You wouldn’t be wrong in describing High Jump as an academic program, but time and time again, our students tell us that it’s more than that.  While not the program’s primary goal, community, and long-lasting friendships are just a couple of the added benefits that alumni proclaim. Extended support and networking opportunities with others who…

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Moving Up! and on to New Things

June 14, 2021 / Comments Off on Moving Up! and on to New Things
students at moving up ceremony | High Jump Chicago

Moving Up is the culmination of two years of hard work for students ready to embark on their high school journey. Cohort 31 began the program in 2019, the summer following their 6th-grade year. After putting in the 700 hours of challenging but rewarding work, 157 students graduated from the program this year. Held at…

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Alumni Spotlight: Jessica, Cohort 22

May 3, 2021 / Comments Off on Alumni Spotlight: Jessica, Cohort 22

“The friends I’ve made at High Jump have turned into my best friends and people I trust to be there for me. And High Jump has motivated me to do anything in my power to be successful in life and give back to my community.”

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Alumni Spotlight: Derrick, Cohort 22

April 22, 2021 / Comments Off on Alumni Spotlight: Derrick, Cohort 22

“Thanks to High Jump, I realized that I could accomplish big things despite my financial background.”

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UPenn Freshman and Author, I’deyah

February 12, 2021 / Comments Off on UPenn Freshman and Author, I’deyah

University of Pennsylvania freshman I’deyah was interviewed this past summer on ABC 7’s Chicago Graduation 2020 Special “The After Party.” Watch her full interview here. I’deyah has long used her talents to inspire other kids. At just seven years old, she published her first book to help budding authors find their voices through writing. “I…

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Alumni Spotlight: Caroline, Cohort 28

December 14, 2020 / Comments Off on Alumni Spotlight: Caroline, Cohort 28

“Right now, I’m just starting to consider schools. I’d like to go into medicine, so I’m considering the University of Michigan and University of Pennsylvania. But it’s still early – I have a lot to think about.”

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High Jump Alumnus and Board of Directors Member in The Executives’ Club of Chicago Member Spotlight

September 11, 2020 / Comments Off on High Jump Alumnus and Board of Directors Member in The Executives’ Club of Chicago Member Spotlight

Featured by The Executives’ Club of Chicago in their Member Spotlight, John Akalaonu is Senior Vice President, Customer Delivery of CDK Global. He is also an active member of our Board of Directors and an alumnus of High Jump (Cohort 4). Born and raised in Chicago, John attended high school at Culver Academies following his…

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