If Ajay had to pick his favorite moment from Achievement First (AF) Camp, it would be overhearing one of his former students describe him as “a really nice guy, but a total dork.” This is precisely what Ajay set out to do during his time as the Arts Programming Director at AF Camp. He wanted […]

Though ‘going forward’ was challenging during an unprecedented high school experience, the Class of 2022 persevered. And in doing so, they made our school communities – both online and in-person – come alive. Family and friends filled auditoriums, roaring applause echoed in gymnasiums, and tears (of joy) came over hundreds of loved ones. The cause […]

June is Pride Month! Throughout these thirty days (and beyond), join us in uplifting and commemorating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) voices and stories. This month, we encourage you to honor Pride in ways that feel meaningful to you. Whether that means learning more about the LGBTQIA+ history, practicing active allyship […]

June is Caribbean American Heritage (CAH) Month! Throughout the month (and beyond), we honor the millions of Caribbean Americans that strengthen our country through their traditions, languages, and values. Furthermore, we commemorate the rich, vibrant culture of the Caribbean American people and their invaluable additions to our nation. CAH Month is a perfect opportunity to […]

During the month of June, we are struck by how important it is to uplift and honor Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) voices and stories. Pride Month is a time to celebrate the beauty, strength, and diversity in the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of activism. And now, more than ever […]

Upon entering the classroom, Stephanie’s kindergarten students always look forward to a sweetly written message. That message reminds them that they possess an enormous amount of potential to shine and be themselves throughout the day. She possesses that too. Stephanie goes forward with her students. She is a source of light and encouragement to all […]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Back to Basics.” According to Mental Health America, the theme aims to shed light on how more than two years of pandemic living, stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. At Achievement First, we know that navigating mental health during a […]

A week after the heartbreaking events in Orange County and Buffalo and on the two-year anniversary of George Floyd’s passing, we are again, shaken, frustrated, and despondent. In the words of Vice President Harris, “Our hearts keep getting broken.” Every shooting is another life lost. Families, communities, friends, and a nation are grieving the twenty-one […]