Aim High is designed for current 5th – 8th grade students from historically marginalized communities with limited access to summer enrichment. At Aim High we do all that we can to ensure that our students can participate fully in our academic classes, field trips, and afternoon activities. Our no-cost summer program ignites a love of learning and prepares students for success in middle school, high school and beyond.
The middle school years are pivotal for young people. Research indicates that high school success often depends on middle school performance. Aim High helps middle schoolers build academic confidence, discover a love of learning and develop the skills they need to thrive in high school and in life.
Aim High operates as many as 18 summer campuses in communities across the Bay Area and Northern California. We have campuses in San Francisco (6), the East Bay (6), East Palo Alto/Redwood City(1), San Jose (1), San Rafael (1), Novato (1) Napa (1), and Tahoe/Truckee (1). We choose school sites that are conveniently located in the neighborhoods we serve. Most students can walk or ride public transportation to Aim High. In some communities, we provide a bus.
At Aim High we recruit current 5th – 8th grade middle school students. Aim High celebrates the vibrancy and talent within communities of color and those with less relative wealth. We prioritize admission for students who are poised to be the first in their families to graduate from college, may speak multiple languages, identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color), and/or live in households with income in the lower ranges of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) classifications. Students who are accepted to the program are expected to attend Aim High for the program’s full five weeks, and for up to four summers throughout their middle school years.
Students with the support from a parent/guardian can apply online at www.aimhigh.org/apply
Aim High is committed to hiring educators who serve as positive role models for our students, and strive to recruit and retain teachers that reflect the diversity of our students. Are you an experienced educator or interested in pursuing teaching? Aim High is the place for you! We pair experienced Lead Teachers with Assistant Teachers and Interns.
Every summer we hire +500 summer staff. We are currently accepting summer applications.
Aim High is a tuition-free program. Aim High raises funds from a strong community of individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to fully cover its operating costs.
Aim High is one of the few free summer learning and enrichment programs in the Bay Area. There are a number of excellent summer program providers in the Bay Area, but Aim High is unique: Our teaching staff reflects our students’ demographics and socioeconomics. Half of our teaching assistants are graduates of the program, and live in the same communities as our students. 70% of our teachers are people of color. Aim High’s campuses are intentionally located in the neighborhoods where students live.
Aim High is not just a school, and not just a summer camp. We combine engaging academics with fun, enriching, community-building activities. Our curriculum helps students make connections between school and the real-world, and students build the academic skills necessary to be successful.