How Graduation Rates Lead To Upward Mobility

Graduation - what a milestone we're celebrating!

With 84 Elevate seniors heading across the stage this year, Elevate celebrates our biggest senior class to date. We have seen these students grow personally and academically over the last four years, and it's an honor to watch them partake in this momentous achievement.

Graduating from high school is a huge accomplishment, and for many of our students, it has not been an easy road. For some, they are the first in their family to graduate from high school. For others, they’re experiencing struggles in their home life that leave them feeling unsupported and incapable of success. Despite this, we’ve seen the unbelievable hard work and dedication they’ve shown in and out of the classroom, and we are so proud to watch their work pay off.

In 2024, our partner schools reported a 62% average of chronic absenteeism. We know firsthand that our students face a multitude of obstacles standing in the way of their success. This is why Elevate strives to support our students both academically and personally, developing deep, meaningful relationships with our students that make them feel seen, heard, and valued. 

With 213 academic check-ins this year, our students have been accountable for their academic progress, resulting in 11% higher school attendance than the average at our partner schools. By fostering these meaningful connections, our Teacher-Mentors help students develop the tools to discover their potential and achieve their goals. 

Our 2024 Impact Report found that employees without a high school diploma can expect to make 75% of what those with a diploma will earn. For our students, graduation is an open door to newfound financial stability. Our Pathways To Purpose College & Career Readiness model provides crucial tools to prepare for the future, including:

• Life mapping
• Interview Prep
• Financial Literacy
• Resume Building

This year, 526 Elevate students participated in Pathways To Purpose, completing over 6,000 service hours and gaining the confidence to visualize bright futures for themselves. Through the Pathways To Purpose model, students develop confidence and agency in their ability to succeed. It’s no wonder that Elevate students maintain an 18% higher average graduation rate than the standard average at our partner schools. Through holistic mentorship and support, we aim to empower our students to overcome life’s obstacles and equip them to pursue their dreams and unlock their potential.

This year, Elevate maintains our long-running 99% average graduation rate. Of these students, 85% reported that they plan to attend college and are confident that they have the skills to do so. After witnessing their incredible growth over the years, we’d say we have to agree!

Do you want to help support our graduates?

When you donate to our spring appeal before June 30th, your gift will be MATCHED thanks to an anonymous donor. The first $30,000 donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar to help us establish a new Family & Alumni Growth & Persistence Manager, who will expand our efforts in supporting Elevate alumni.

Tap here to donate to our spring appeal and help us finish our 2024-2025 fiscal year strong. With your help, we can keep transforming lives for our city's youth.