The Higher Learning Foundation was a public charity located in Washington, D.C. Its goal was to improve college achievement possibilities for graduates of the District of Columbia Public Schools system (DCPS).
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History
The Higher Learning Foundation (HLF) was created in February 2007 by three students at Georgetown University. The impetus for establishing HLF was an October 2006 study produced by the Bridgespan Group on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The study documented the low rate of success of D.C. public school students at the college level: of those surveyed, 29% enrolled in college within 18 months of their high school graduation, and only 9% were projected to graduate within five years.
The foundation was dissolved in the fall of 2009 with remaining funds donated to the Bell Multicultural High School scholarship fund.
Mission
Seeking to address the disheartening situation documented by the Bridgespan Group study, the Higher Learning Foundation has been implementing programs in the D.C.-area to help improve students' chances for success at the college level. Through its various programs, HLF maintains as its ultimate goal making successful higher learning possible for public school students in the District of Columbia and beyond.
Programs
During its short history, HLF implemented and developed various programs designed to boost college success rates for D.C. public school graduates. The Academic Achievement Scholarship Program, begun in 2007, awards scholarship prizes to D.C. high school seniors demonstrating a financial need, leadership ability, and a commitment to academic success. The First Annual Academic Achievement Scholarships were awarded in June 2007 to two graduating seniors at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School.
Fundraising
As a public charity, The Higher Learning Foundation relied exclusively on donations from members of the public to fund its activities.