The Amistad Academy Alumni Program was created to provide continuous support for Amistad Academy alumni as they transition from middle school to high school, college and life beyond. The program began informally in 2002, following the graduation of Amistad Academy's first eighth-grade class. The program formalized in 2004 with its own full-time staff, and continues to support alumni of Amistad Academy Middle School.

Mission

The Alumni Program supports all Amistad Academy Middle School alumni in their pursuit of personal, collegiate and professional success. Through advocacy, counseling and programming, we coach our students to build character, independence and professionalism in order to transcend social barriers. We provide students with the tools they need to develop as community-minded young leaders with a sense of integrity and life-long-learners who challenge themselves and others to exceed expectations.

Overview

The primary responsibility of the Alumni Program team is to track, support and coach all alumni to reaching their full potential. Much of our work is based on building strong relationships with our alumni and their families, as well as guidance counselors, college counselors, financial aid officers, school administrators, and local businesses and program providers. The Alumni Program team maintains regular contact with all alumni via phone, email, text messaging and instant messaging, and we visit 95 percent of our high school and college students at school at least twice a year to check in academically and personally and to build relationships with school administrators. The Alumni Program’s academic and personal supports, coupled with enrichment opportunities, fosters connectedness and brings alumni back to the community. The Alumni Program team also offers intense support to alumni who have been out of communication with the team and may have wandered off the path to college.

Activities

Through the Alumni Program, Amistad Academy alumni:

• Attend regular, after-school study hall sessions at Amistad Academy
• Perform community service at Amistad Academy and elsewhere
• Participate in rigorous internships around the city of New Haven
• Attend retreats at Amistad Academy and on local college campuses
• Receive academic and personal counseling
• Receive personalized college counseling and application support
• Take SAT preparation classes
• Go on college tours in New England and beyond

Contact Information

Samantha Miller, director of high school placement and alumni programs
Email: samanthamiller[at]achievementfirst[dot]org
Office: 203-773-0390 ext 16636