Middle school is tough – especially for low-income students who face significant personal and economic obstacles.

Grades and test scores typically start to decline; students become disengaged, school attendance drops, and violence increases.

But why?

Higher Achievement Baltimore knows that underserved youth in Baltimore City have the talent to succeed if they are afforded the opportunity.

Higher Achievement engages students through its year-round after school and summer program filled with opportunities that build character, confidence, and academic success. On average, 95 percent of Higher Achievement scholars who complete the program advance to top academic high schools and 93 percent advance to college.

Fourth Annual Love Out Loud Poetry Challenge is one of the many opportunities Higher Achievement provides its scholars.

Love Out Loud marks the culmination of months of hard work and preparation. Higher Achievement scholars study the writings of well-known authors, learn about language styles, poetic elements and practice self-expression. After study and practice, fifteen finalists from the individual Center poetry contests then showcase their literary talents at the Love Out Loud performance on March 11th.

Higher Achievement is partnering with GiveCorps to ensure that all middle school students have opportunities and experiences, like the Love Out Loud Challenge, to find their voice and gain the confidence to succeed.

Higher Achievement envisions a world where all students’ potential and promise are realized, regardless of their circumstance.

Let’s work together to make this dream a reality.