Higher Achievement Evaluation, United States, 2014-2019

The Higher Achievement evaluation is a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial study of Higher Achievement, an intensive summer and after-school program that offers participants more than 500 hours of academic enrichment activities a year to help them meet the high academic standards expected of college-bound students. Higher Achievement students ("scholars") enter the program during the summer before either fifth or sixth grade and commit to attending through eighth grade. This study collected school records data from the 2014-2015 school year through the 2018-2019 school year on three cohorts of scholars, starting with the scholars' year before entering the program (baseline) and two years of follow-up post program entry. These student records included course grades, standardized test scores, attendance information, and demographic variables. In addition, surveys were conducted among center directors of Higher Achievement centers, mentor volunteers, and parents of scholars to collect information on program implementation and service contrast between program-attending and control students.