10-Year Program
Beacon Academy offers a 10-year program that prepares determined and inquisitive students from historically under-resourced and/or underrepresented communities for competitive high schools, colleges, and careers. Our goal is to support students as they create life-changing opportunities and build fulfilling careers.
Beacon Academy makes a long-term commitment and investment in its students because we believe education is a crucial vehicle for achieving this goal. In an effort to close the opportunity gap that exists for determined and inquisitive students from historically under-resourced and/or underrepresented communities, our staff members and the broader Beacon Academy community commit to supporting each student for 10+ years, focusing on their educational success and well-being.
With academic resources and support from the Beacon Academy community, Beacon Academy students explore their intellectual curiosity, affirm their racial and cultural identity, build their confidence, and discover the power of their voice.
Year 1: Academy Year
The first 14 months of the 10-Year Program are dedicated to educating students through rigorous academics and engaging co-curricular activities. These programs are designed to promote social and cultural experiences to build students’ confidence and affirm their identities. During this year, students learn Beacon Academy’s values of respect, courage, curiosity, and accountability, and nurture their leadership skills. After months of thought-provoking classes, enriching extracurricular activities, and high school application writing, Beacon Academy students apply and are accepted into excellent independent high schools that fit each of their academic, personal, and financial needs. We then work with them to secure unique summer experiences with funding to pursue after their Beacon Academy graduation. Throughout the first year and beyond, Beacon Academy works with students to nurture their ability to advocate for their hopes and needs.
Year 2-5: High School
Beacon Academy partners with high school administrators, faculty, and advisors to build a successful high school experience for alumni and help them find their voices. We work with our students to ensure they have all their school supplies, encourage engagement in extracurriculars, campus life, and leadership, and provide intensive individual guidance as needed. We also help families and caregivers join their new high school community and check in regularly to ensure a smooth transition. As students and families/caregivers begin to think about the college process, Beacon Academy staff partner with each student’s college advisor on college selection. We offer private and group SAT/ACT test prep, coordinate college tours and interviews, and write letters of recommendation for applications. Additionally, Beacon Academy provides guidance to maximize college options and help students, families, and caregivers analyze financial aid packages to minimize debt. Through BeaconConnect, our job board resource, high school students can access opportunities through the Beacon Academy community to secure summer jobs and internships that will prepare them well for their next step.
Year 6-9: College
Beacon Academy provides support with course selection, dorm room supplies, transportation, and study abroad guidance and encourages students to pursue co-curricular leadership development. Beacon Academy staff continuously check in on alumni and collaborate with their respective colleges to connect them with any resources they might need. College students can take advantage of BeaconConnect, Beacon Academy’s career portal, to prepare and apply for internships and jobs with the support of the Beacon Academy community. We partner with companies in different industries to host career days and connect our alumni with volunteers to help them with their application materials.
Year 10: Career
The 10th year of the program focuses on taking steps to help Beacon Academy alumni launch their careers. Through BeaconConnect, students have access to Beacon Academy connections to help them secure jobs and internships, attend networking events, and connect them with professionals in different industries. We leverage incredible volunteers to help perfect resumes and cover letters, practice interviewing, and provide professional development support to guide alumni toward career paths of interest. Beacon Academy continues to check up on alumni pursuing their careers, and even after their 10th year in the program, we will always continue to stay connected and support the Beacon Academy family.