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Programs

Students Recommend the Program to Friends


“What I liked best about this program was that I was able to conquer a subject I had trouble with earlier, so now I can understand the class next year.”

“I learned that to get good grades you have to work really hard.”

“I liked the help I got from the teachers and tutors that helped them. I felt comfortable asking them anything I did not understand.”

“The trip to Santa Clara University helped me understand college more.”

“It was fun meeting new people, and working together to reach our goals.”

“The impact that Catalyst has on my future is that I will try my best in whatever I do. It really prepared me for the big amounts of homework we are going to receive in school so I would like to thank Catalyst for that. My summer of 2010 is the one I will never forget thanks to Catalyst! I love Catalyst.”

Catalyst to High School

The Issue:

Low income and minority students have the lowest high school graduation rates in Santa Clara County, with less than 70% of Latino students graduating from high school. Traditional education is not providing the support and resources that low income, English Language Learner students need to complete high school and go on to succeed in college. The transition from the academic and social atmosphere of middle school to high school can be an extra challenge to these students.

The Opportunity:

ALearn designed the Catalyst to High School program to be a rigorous summer program focused on improving skills in mathematics. The program provides an introduction to high school, with an emphasis on study and organizational skills as well as motivation to attend college.

Click here to read the 2012 Catalyst Program report.
Click here to download the Catalyst Program promotional flyer.


The Solution

The Catalyst to High School summer bridge program:

  • Serves students who are from a low income background and who are often the first in their families to attend college
  • Introduces incoming freshmen to high school math and science in an intensive four-week format
  • Reinforces a college-going attitude with a College Information Night and a tour of a local 4-year university
  • Enables credentialed teachers and tutors to teach in small, personalized groups
  • Engages older high school and college students in coaching and mentoring incoming freshmen
  • Includes community building and leadership development

Our Partners:

  • Mountain View – Los Altos High School District
  • Overfelt High School in Eastside San Jose Union High School District
  • Yerba Buena High School in the East Side Union High School District;
  • Woodside High School in Sequoia Union High School District.
  • Cal-SOAP