Why Elev8?

We believe that every child has a right to education, health, safety and a comprehensive set of supports that will help them reach their full potential.

Far too many children across America face substantial barriers to success. Poverty and lack of access to high-quality learning opportunities and healthcare mean young people do not receive the support they need to thrive. In the communities where Elev8 is based, the picture is particularly bleak:

• In Chicago, only 55.7% of public high school students graduate in 4 years, compared with 84.1% in the Illinois suburbs.
• In New Mexico, over 25% of children live in poverty.
• In Baltimore, 64% of public school fourth graders read below grade level.
• In California, an estimated one million children are without health insurance.

We consider these outcomes unacceptable.

The Elev8 initiative focuses on middle grade students because the transition from 8th to 9th grade is particularly perilous: In 60% of the nation's largest school systems, the majority of dropouts occur in the 9th grade.

We believe an approach that considers the whole child and their family will have the greatest impact. That's why Elev8 thoughtfully integrates extended-day learning opportunities, high-quality health services, and community supports for students and families.  In all of our work, we emphasize parental and community engagement to ensure that students succeed in school and in life.