Summer Programs

Summer may bring time off from school, but not from the many learning opportunities achieve participants pursue. We strive to provide our students enlightening and enriching adventures all year long. achieve staff meet with students towards the end of the school year to help plan their summer activities.

Internships

Students are encouraged to learn about the world of work through summer internships. Students gain professional learning experiences that expand their horizons, introduce them to new people, and allow them to earn extra money. The program requires all students to work each summer. Each student receives a cash stipend of $250 with the remaining compensation being placed in an individual custodial savings account that they may use for college expenses. Students also participate in other educational and leadership programs such as Girls Inc. Eureka!, CHORI, and various summer college enrichment programs.

The following organizations and businesses are 2017 summer internship providers:

  • Achieve Foundation
  • Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
  • Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film
  • Archive
  • Berkeley Repertory School of Theatre
  • BRIDGE Housing
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Center for Creative Land Recycling
  • Center for Independent Living
  • Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute
  • Clorox
  • DFS
  • Exploratorium
  • First Republic Bank
  • Fortress Investment Group
  • Gerson Bakar & Associates
  • Haas School of Business
  • International House, UC Berkeley
  • Jewish Community Center of SF
  • Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund
  • Jewish Family & Children’s Services
  • Jewish Vocational Services
  • KQED
  • Landed
  • Lawrence Hall of Science
  • LBA Realty
  • Prado Group
  • Project Frog
  • SFMOMA
  • TEF
  • Telecare Corporation
  • UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
  • UC Berkeley Recreational Sports
  • UCSF

At achieve we are always looking to expand the summer internship choices for our students. achieve students are highly motivated young people with boundless energy and true leadership potential. If you would like to join our program by hosting an intern, please contact Karen Iwasa at kiwasa@achieveprogram.org or call at 415-576-8100.

Summer Study

All incoming freshmen are required to attend summer school. achieve staff provide study skills support to assist students in their transition to high school.

Rising seniors are required to attend both group and individual sessions focusing on test preparation (SAT and ACT), college research and application process, financial aid, and writing the college essay. Our goal is, by the start of the school year, that all seniors have a firm list of colleges that meet their academic, financial and social needs—the perfect “fit”.

Student Testimonials

  • 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

  • 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

  • The summer internships have given me early insight on how to be successful when working my first job.

    Carlos Gonzalez - SJND ‘24

  • 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

  • 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

  • achieve exposes its students to the world, turning bright students into shining ones.

    Alexander Robinson ‘23 - Reed College ‘27

  • achieve has taught me that education and growth go hand in hand with helping others.

    Sophie Ramirez - HNHS '24

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

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