How many students are currently being served?
Over 80 students at four partner schools: Archbishop Riordan High School and Mercy High School in Burlingame; Holy Names High School in Oakland; and Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda.
What kind of students are you looking for?
Aside from documented financial need and excellent grades (minimum 3.0 GPA), the main criterion for selection is extraordinary motivation. achieve students must be willing to put in the enormous time and effort required to change their destinies. Approximately 95% of students in our program will be first-generation college students.
What kind of financial/family information does achieve require?
We need information pertaining to gross family income, number of people in the household, and any extenuating circumstances that would affect the family’s ability to pay tuition. Generally we are looking for families that meet the government definition of poverty or low income. Only students who complete the high school financial aid process will be considered for the achieve Program.
What is the expectation of the financial responsibility of the family?
Every family is expected to make a financial contribution toward tuition. This contribution is calculated on a sliding scale as determined by the financial aid report and information gathered through interviews.
What is the interview process?
Parents and students are interviewed by Founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Bakar, an achieve staff member, and a representative from the partner school.
Student Testimonials
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The greatest impact achieve has had on my life is the college counseling. The help with writing, research, and financial aid has helped streamline the process significantly.
Oscar Hernandez ‘23 Amherst College ‘27
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achieve has helped me step out of my comfort zone and has guided me through my highs and lows. It helped me become the person I am today.
Kaycee Leyson - MHSB '24
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The summer internships have given me early insight on how to be successful when working my first job.
Carlos Gonzalez - SJND ‘24
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The achieve Program gives me the resources, support, and opportunities to succeed. What I like best is the endless support you receive from everybody.
Angela Leon Alvarez - HNHS '26
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The summer experience helped me to step out of my comfort zone and socialize with those around me to get to know them better.
Daniela Perez - MHSB '26
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achieve exposes its students to the world, turning bright students into shining ones.
Alexander Robinson ‘23 - Reed College ‘27
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achieve has taught me that education and growth go hand in hand with helping others.
Sophie Ramirez - HNHS '24
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achieve has given me hands-on work experience and helped me build leadership skills, which will help me apply for colleges and jobs in the future.
Jayden Lucas - SJND '25
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Community service is more rewarding than anything. Getting to help and care for those around you brings out true smiles and happiness.
Nichola Carrillo - MHSB ‘26
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The help and mentorship of achieve set me up to succeed and have an amazing four years at high school.
Joseph Zuloaga ‘23 - Columbia University ‘27
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I enjoy going to the achieve cultural events at the theater, because they are always so much fun and engaging. I like that I participate in activities I never got to try before.
Vy Phan - HNHS ‘25
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achieve has taught me to help others for a good cause because you never know how that will influence a person’s life.
Israel Joseph - SJND '26
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From summer internships I have gained a vast amount of knowledge on what having a job is like. I got a taste of what it is like to be an adult, and have lots of responsibility.
Christopher Dominguez - ARHS ‘25