Project GRAD USA

• Over 149,000 Youth in 22 Communities Across the Nation

  Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams) is a nonprofit education reform model serving more than 149,000 economically disadvantaged youth in 22 communities across the nation and in the State of Pennsylvania.

• "What is so significant about Project GRAD is that it brings to bear all of the essentials to create a strong academic culture in schools."

  Dr. Beverly Hall, Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent & Project GRAD Atlanta Board Member

• 247 Public Elementary, Middle and
  High Schools Across the Nation

  GRAD programs are underway in 247 public schools across the nation, including elementary, middle and high schools.

• "I just want to thank Project GRAD for giving my children the opportunity to succeed."

  Susan Gutierrez, Parent from Brownsville, Texas

• 92% Minority and 87% Low-income

  GRAD’s student population is 92% minority and 87% low-income.

• "Had I not been in a Project GRAD school, my college dream might never have become a reality."

  Cynthia Coco, Project GRAD Scholar & current student at Yale University

• Completing College 92% Above the National Average

  GRAD students are completing college at a rate 92% above the national average (51.5% of GRAD students are completing college versus the national average of 26.8%) for students from similar low-income backgrounds.

• "I am now a living testimony that Project GRAD works for students from a challenged inner-city school."

  E. Modupeola "Dupe" Okeowo, Project GRAD Scholar & 2005 graduate of Howard University

• Awarded College Scholarships to More Than 7,500 Students

  GRAD has made college scholarships available to 7,500 students and has an additional 17,000 high school students in the scholarship pipeline, making it one of the country’s largest college access organizations for low-income students.

• "Project GRAD is closing the achievement gap. Individuals and organizations concerned about school reform should follow their example."

  President George W. Bush

• More Than 100 Institutions of Higher Education

  GRAD has already sent high school graduates to more than 100 institutions of higher education, including many of the most highly selective colleges and universities in the nation.

• "GRAD is delivering the kind of school experience that we need to share with every child in America."

  President Bill Clinton

• 94% Increase to Houston’s High School Graduation Rate

  In its original cluster of schools in Houston, Texas, GRAD increased the number of high school graduates by 94%, raised the number of students going to college by 400% and generated a college completion rate 70% above the national average.

• "Project GRAD is built on the appropriate foundation... It is a dedication to the fundamentals of good pedagogy and good teaching."

  Former Secretary of Education Rod Paige

• College Graduation Exceeds the National Average by 71%

  GRAD scholarship recipients graduate college with majors in science, technology and engineering at a rate that exceeds the national average for minority students by 71%.

• "Project GRAD helps our young people from kindergarten through college. It’s no wonder this program is such a success."

  Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

• Support in Congress

  Project GRAD enjoys broad bipartisan, bicameral support in congress.

• "Because of Project GRAD... children across the country are enjoying educational success that wouldn’t otherwise be possible."

  Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, 15th District, Ohio

• Federally Authorized by the United States Department of Education

  Project GRAD became federally authorized by the United States Department of Education in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

• "Project GRAD does what we all know needs to be done if we are serious about educating all of our children."

  Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, 4th District, New York

• Costs Approximately $600 per Student per Year of Support

  GRAD costs approximately $600 per student per year of support, which is comprised of both public and private funding at the local, state, and national levels.

• Project GRAD Works with Visionary Partners and Funders

  Project GRAD has had the privilege to work with visionary partners and funders, including Ford Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Clinton Global Initiative, Lumina Foundation and KnowledgeWorks Foundation.

• Identified as a "Program that Works"

  Project GRAD was one of only four education programs identified as a "Program that Works" in supporting opportunity and access for underserved k-12 students, out of more than 200 education programs reviewed by the Business-Higher Education Forum for inclusion in StrategicEdSolutions.org.

• Cited in Best Practice Studies

  GRAD is the only education reform organization cited in independent best practice research studies by Building Engineering and Science Talent (BEST), the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Comprehensive School Reform Quality Center (CSRQ) at the American Institutes of Research.

Student Profiles

SIMONE PICKERSGILL Project GRAD Long Island (NY) Scholar		LARRY THOMPSON Project GRAD Atlanta Scholar		LAURA RITCHIE Project GRAD Cincinnati Scholar		WALTER GARCIA Project GRAD Los Angeles Scholar
Learn about Simone		Learn about Larry		Learn about Laura		Learn about Walter