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Causes: Education
Mission: SEEDS – Access Changes Everything is a privately-funded, statewide, nonprofit organization committed to providing motivated, high-achieving, low-income students with access to top-tier education that would have otherwise been difficult to obtain due to socioeconomic status. Through three challenging academic programs, SEEDS prepares students of various grade levels for eventual placement into competitive independent schools and colleges. SEEDS programs encompass rigorous curriculums, critical leadership training, and cultural experiences that help students recognize and achieve their full potential. Upon completion of SEEDS programs, alumni are supported through their school careers and beyond, and encouraged to be ethical, engaged, and responsible citizens who engage in and contribute to their communities.
Results: To date, we have supported nearly 3,000 students, helping them to prepare for, gain admission into, and succeed at some of the nation's top educational institutions.
Target demographics: motivated, high-achieving, low-income students
Direct beneficiaries per year: 350+ students
Geographic areas served: Newark, Irvington, East Orange, Orange, and qualifying low-income communities throughout New Jersey.
Programs: YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM (YSP) | 14-month program for 5th and 6th graders. Prepares rising 5th and 6th graders for admission to and success in selective day and junior boarding schools. SCHOLARS PROGRAM (SP) | 14-month program for 8th and 9th graders. SEEDS’ largest and oldest program, the Scholars Program prepares 8th graders for 9th-grade placement into and success at selective day and boarding schools across the country. SCP provides a rigorous and advanced curriculum designed to sharpen skills, improve test-taking abilities, and prepare students for the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). COLLEGE SCHOLARS PROGRAM (CSP) | 17-month program for 11th and 12th graders. Designed to prepare top-performing, low-income students from eligible public high schools for admission into highly competitive colleges with sufficient financial aid. CSP delivers rigorous college and test preparation. CSP Scholars also benefit from college selection and application guidance, financial aid advocacy, and other support as needed. GUIDANCE | For graduates of SEEDS programs. Upon completion of a SEEDS program, SEEDS graduates benefit from continued support, especially as they navigate the academic, social, cultural, and emotional challenges arising from transition to selective schools and college. The SEEDS Guidance Department assists graduates through annual visits, access to resources, arranging SAT/ACT prep courses, organizing college tours, and coordinating internship and networking opportunities.