HIGHER ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM INC
Job Details
Job Location
DC Metro - Washington, DC
Qualifications
Higher Achievement is a nationally acclaimed youth development organization focusing on high school placement opportunities for middle school scholars. We are seeking a Center Lead in 2025 with orientation dates as soon as August 2025! If your passion is working with youth and making a difference through culture principals of respect, spirit, collaboration, and excellence, Higher Achievement is for you!
Paid Training provided! Higher Achievement invests in our staff. Attend a multi-day PAID orientation and training preceding work start! Periodic trainings and professional development opportunities throughout the Afterschool Academy Program Year are part of our professional development model. Hours are supportive of school curriculum, current college students encouraged to apply.
Summary : The Center Lead at Higher Achievement is a part-time role (Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6:30 PM) responsible for managing a group of 10-15 middle school scholars in a structured, enriching afterschool program. This role involves leading academic support sessions, facilitating engaging activities and electives, and fostering scholar leadership and high school readiness. The Center Lead also oversees program logistics, behavior management, and communication with families.
Job Details:
DC Metro Area (Prince Georges County, MD & Washington, DC)
What You'll Do! Responsibilities:
Leadership & Scholar Management
What You'll Need! Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Higher Achievement believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We're passionate about providing opportunities to close the achievement gap for motivated students. We're committed to students during the critical transition to middle school by providing year-round, multi-year support for students in the 5th - 8th grades. As students prepare to graduate from our program in the 8th grade, we support their transition to successfully advance to high school programs that keep students on track for continuous education. We're proud to share that 95% of Higher Achievement scholars graduate from high school.
Founded in 1975 in Washington, DC, as a grassroots effort to create learning opportunities for children, Higher Achievement has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young people and currently operates Achievement Centers in Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA, Baltimore, MD, and Richmond, VA. Higher Achievement's award-winning model of rigorous academic mentoring, individualization of services, and comprehensive academic support is guided by leading research for effective out-of-school time programs. More information about Higher Achievement may be found at:
Program Model: Higher Achievement showers our scholars with academic opportunities through a proven year-round program model that includes afterschool programming from September-May or June (depending on center) and summer initiatives such as college trips and summer meetings with all Higher Achievement families. Core programming that takes place within Afterschool Academy consists of learning blocks, mentoring, community meeting, electives and field trips.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Higher Achievement is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an workplace where opportunities are available to all team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be.
To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately with resume with a priority deadline of June 20, 12 midnight. The position will remain open until all spots are filled.
Job Location
DC Metro - Washington, DC
Qualifications
Higher Achievement is a nationally acclaimed youth development organization focusing on high school placement opportunities for middle school scholars. We are seeking a Center Lead in 2025 with orientation dates as soon as August 2025! If your passion is working with youth and making a difference through culture principals of respect, spirit, collaboration, and excellence, Higher Achievement is for you!
Paid Training provided! Higher Achievement invests in our staff. Attend a multi-day PAID orientation and training preceding work start! Periodic trainings and professional development opportunities throughout the Afterschool Academy Program Year are part of our professional development model. Hours are supportive of school curriculum, current college students encouraged to apply.
Summary : The Center Lead at Higher Achievement is a part-time role (Monday-Thursday, 3:30-6:30 PM) responsible for managing a group of 10-15 middle school scholars in a structured, enriching afterschool program. This role involves leading academic support sessions, facilitating engaging activities and electives, and fostering scholar leadership and high school readiness. The Center Lead also oversees program logistics, behavior management, and communication with families.
Job Details:
- Start Date : August 2025
- Supervisor: Learning Directors
- Position Status: Part- Time, Non-Exempt
- Hours : 3-4 days per week, Monday-Thursday, approximately 3:30-6:30 pm. Approximately 1-2 additional monthly hours of planning time may be required. Specific hours dependent on center placement.
- Duration : Indefinite, work available during Afterschool Academy Year, which runs September/October through May/June, dependent on center placement.
- Remote Status : Onsite work required
- Compensation: $25 per hour
- To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately with resume with a priority deadline of June 20, 12 midnight. The position will remain open until all spots are filled.
DC Metro Area (Prince Georges County, MD & Washington, DC)
- Brookland (Ward 5) Center: Brookland Middle School: 1150 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20018
- Greenbelt Center: Greenbelt Middle School: 6301 Breezewood Dr, Greenbelt, MD 20770
- Ida B Wells Center: Ida B Wells Middle School: 405 Sheridan St NW, Washington, DC 20011
- Eliot-Hine Center: Eliot-Hine Middle School: 1830 Constitution Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Kelly MillerCenter: Kelly Miller Middle School: 301 49th Street NE, Washington, DC 2001
- Achievement Prep Center : Achievement Prep Academy:908 Wahler Pl SE, Washington, DC 20032
What You'll Do! Responsibilities:
Leadership & Scholar Management
- Occasional site-wide management of middle school scholars and most frequently leading a group of 10-15 middle school scholars, ensuring a structured, enriching, and engaging learning environment.
- Foster meaningful relationships with scholars by mentoring, encouraging personal growth, and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Encourage leadership, teamwork, and self-advocacy among scholars, setting high expectations for engagement and behavior.
- Lead and facilitate core program components (Learning Blocks, meal & transition times (including arrival and dismissal), elective programming, and community meetings).
- Model and enforce Higher Achievement's culture of high expectations and behavior management strategies throughout all program elements.
- Learning Blocks: Effectively manage and lead a Learning Block of up to 15 scholars:
- Ensure completion of high-quality homework assignments.
- Coach scholars on study skills, test preparation, and academic projects.
- Support classroom volunteers in assisting scholars with assignments.
- Guide scholars through academic and enrichment activities, including High school applications, group passion projects, and online learning.
- Elective Management: Effectively manage and lead an Elective of up to 15 scholars. Electives serve as enrichment opportunities for scholars to participate in. Examples of electives are, but not limited to, art, dance, sports, yoga, poetry, and cooking.
- Design and implement engaging elective activities that align with scholars' interests.
- Provide structure, guidance, and behavior management support during electives.
- Incorporate scholar feedback into program design to encourage participation and ownership.
- Community Meeting: effectively support Community Meetings by leading groups of 5-15 scholars
- Facilitate community meetings focused on relationship-building, social justice discussions, and high school readiness.
- Plan and prepare for core program components (~3 hours per week).
- Track attendance, greet scholars, and manage daily check-ins.
- Set up and serve meals, assist with data entry, and ensure a clean work environment.
- Communicate with families regarding scholars' progress and engagement.
- Uphold Higher Achievement's high expectations and positive learning culture.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings for planning and development.
What You'll Need! Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- High school diploma or equivalent with three years o f experience working with youth in a professional or volunteer capacity or, College students expanding their career opportunities within the field of education and youth development
- Demonstrated ability to manage groups of 10+ middle school students.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
- Basic technology skills (for attendance tracking and data entry).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
- Background & Clearance Check: This position requires a criminal background check prior to hire to include state/local municipalities, school district clearances and grant required checks. All clearance checks are paid by Higher Achievement
- Covid-19 Vaccinations: While Higher Achievement does not require proof, we are a proud supporter of the Covid-19 vaccination. You will be able to optionally confirm vaccination status and provide documentation of vaccination at the point of offer.
- Higher Achievement Core Values: Scholar-Centricity, Striving for Excellence, Power of Community, Voice and Inclusion, and Racial Equity
- Physical Requirements and Work Environment: Work is regularly performed in a school-based environment. The employee may spend long periods sitting, standing, and walking. Required to transfer from one part of the worksite to another and climb stairs. Regularly lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Regular use of computers, keyboard, telephone, and face-to-face communication in small and large group settings with adults; ability to communicate clearly and professionally in these situations. Visual, auditory, and physical ability to respond quickly to critical incidents involving students and act in an emergency. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Higher Achievement believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We're passionate about providing opportunities to close the achievement gap for motivated students. We're committed to students during the critical transition to middle school by providing year-round, multi-year support for students in the 5th - 8th grades. As students prepare to graduate from our program in the 8th grade, we support their transition to successfully advance to high school programs that keep students on track for continuous education. We're proud to share that 95% of Higher Achievement scholars graduate from high school.
Founded in 1975 in Washington, DC, as a grassroots effort to create learning opportunities for children, Higher Achievement has impacted the lives of more than 10,000 young people and currently operates Achievement Centers in Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA, Baltimore, MD, and Richmond, VA. Higher Achievement's award-winning model of rigorous academic mentoring, individualization of services, and comprehensive academic support is guided by leading research for effective out-of-school time programs. More information about Higher Achievement may be found at:
Program Model: Higher Achievement showers our scholars with academic opportunities through a proven year-round program model that includes afterschool programming from September-May or June (depending on center) and summer initiatives such as college trips and summer meetings with all Higher Achievement families. Core programming that takes place within Afterschool Academy consists of learning blocks, mentoring, community meeting, electives and field trips.
- Learning Blocks : Scholars receive academic support, including HW help, HS application prep, or supplemental work aligned to in-school content
- Mentoring : In small groups of 3-4 scholars, scholars work with a Mentor as they complete our High School Readiness curriculum which focuses on community exploration, learning about high schools, goal setting, and high school application preparation
- Community Meeting : Scholars engage in activities, challenges, and projects focused on relationship-building and SEL skills
- Electives : Multiple times a week scholars have the opportunity to participate in enrichment opportunities that vary across sites. Examples of electives are art, yoga, chess, dance, sports, cooking and robotics
- Field Trips : Field trips are exposure opportunities for scholars and they are offered 3x during the year: fall, spring, and summer (college trip).
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Higher Achievement is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an workplace where opportunities are available to all team members and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we will be.
To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately with resume with a priority deadline of June 20, 12 midnight. The position will remain open until all spots are filled.