The Achieve Program at Nobles

Opening Doors for Boston's Youth

The Achieve Program, an innovative and tuition-free academic initiative at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Mass., works to close the opportunity gap by providing critical academic and personal support. Designed to serve middle school students from underserved communities in Boston, Achieve helps students develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in high school, college, and beyond.

Achieve logo

Empowering Boston’s Future Leaders

Achieve serves students from Boston’s public, charter, and parochial schools, most of whom come from low-income families. More than 90% of Achieve’s students are students of color, and the majority are the first in their families to consider attending college. The program is dedicated to providing these young people with the resources and guidance necessary to overcome educational barriers and achieve their goals.

A teacher and student in the Achieve program
A student doing an art project

A Holistic Approach to Student Success

Achieve takes a holistic approach to student success by offering both a rigorous six-week summer program and ongoing support throughout the school year. This comprehensive model ensures students receive the academic enrichment, personal development, and mentorship they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Features of the Achieve Program:

Summer Session

A six-week academic program that strengthens students’ skills in math, reading, and writing, paired with enrichment activities like arts, technology, and athletics.

Saturday Program

Monthly academic sessions during the school year that reinforce learning, provide additional enrichment, and keep students on track.

Individualized Mentorship

One-on-one advising to guide students through challenges and help with the high school application process.

High School Placement Support

Guidance in applying to competitive independent, charter, and exam schools, ensuring students have access to top-tier educational opportunities.

Making Year-Round Support Possible

The Corey C. Griffin Foundation is instrumental in making Achieve’s year-round support possible, particularly through its backing of the Saturday program. These monthly sessions provide vital academic reinforcement and enrichment opportunities, helping students stay engaged and continue their progress throughout the school year.

Here’s how the Foundation helps:

  • Funding for Staff and Materials: The Foundation supports the costs of staffing and educational resources, ensuring students receive the highest quality instruction during the Saturday sessions.
  • Transportation Assistance: Achieve students live throughout Boston, and the Foundation’s funding allows the program to provide transportation so that all students can attend.
  • Enrichment Activities: The Foundation helps fund the extracurricular activities offered during the Saturday program, giving students access to experiences beyond the classroom, such as guest speakers and hands-on workshops.

These Saturday sessions are critical in reinforcing the skills students learn during the summer, providing a safe and supportive environment for continued academic and personal growth.

An Achieve program participant playing in a field
An Achieve program participant gets a hug from an adult

Achieve’s Impact: Changing Lives for the Better

Achieve’s impact on Boston’s youth is significant, with measurable success in preparing students for the next stages of their educational journey. Some of the key outcomes include:

  • 100% of Achieve students are accepted into competitive college-preparatory high schools, including independent, charter, and exam schools.
  • 99% of Achieve alumni graduate from high school on time, a rate far above averages for similar communities.
  • 86% of Achieve alumni enroll in college after high school, significantly exceeding national rates for similar demographics.
  • Over 90% of Achieve students will be the first in their families to attend college.

These impressive results highlight the transformative impact of Achieve’s programming. The combination of rigorous academic preparation and strong mentorship ensures students are not only ready for high school but also for the challenges of higher education and life beyond the classroom.

Why We Proudly Support Achieve

The Corey C. Griffin Foundation supports the Achieve Program because of its unwavering dedication to closing the opportunity gap for underserved students in Boston. Achieve’s commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and holistic student support directly aligns with our mission to provide life-changing opportunities for children in need. By investing in programs like Achieve, we are helping to create a brighter future for Boston’s youth, one student at a time.

An Achieve program student in a pool