NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR
Empowering
students to reach their full potential
CHANGE Tutoring, mentorship, and college counseling for motivated students from non-traditional and low- to middle- income backgrounds
13th
Year serving students
40+
Years of
expertise
200+
Students
100%
Committed to equity
THE MISSION
Our mission is to invest in their lifelong success, preparing them not only for college admission
but for purposeful, fulfilling lives shaped by confidence, resilience, diligence, and opportunity
The A’s Academics and College Counseling Program empowers motivated students from mostly non-traditional and low- to middle-income backgrounds to realize their full potential as scholars, leaders, and human beings.
Rooted in over four decades of educational and social-service expertise, our high standard of excellence and expectations are upheld by our unwavering belief in each and every student.
Through personalized guidance, rigorous academic support, and sustained mentorship, we challenge students to strive, excel, and grow in the classroom and beyond. We work to provide equitable access to college opportunities, while assisting them in navigating the ebbs and flows of life.
THE PROGRAM: WHAT WE OFFER
Three pillars of support
Holistic, personalized support at every stage of a student's journey — all at no cost.
Tutoring
Support students with personalized academic tutoring across core subjects, at no cost.
Guide students in selecting rigorous coursework, including Honors and AP classes, to strengthen academic readiness.
College Prepartion
Provide hands-on support with college applications, essay development, and identifying best-fit schools.
Help students secure scholarships and financial aid through targeted guidance.
Expose students to college environments through guided campus tours and access to college-prep programs.
Mentorship
Pair students with dedicated mentors who offer one-on-one support through academic, personal, and family challenges.
Encourage leadership growth through community service, volunteer opportunities, and school or local leadership roles.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Built on 40+ years of
experience
For more than 40 years, Mr. Jose Acevedo has been walking alongside students — listening to their stories, helping them find their footing in high school, and guiding them toward college and beyond.
As a guidance counselor for 23 years, he came face to face with both the incredible promise students carry and the entrenched barriers standing in their way. He worked tirelessly to ensure their potential grew into success.
Our Team
The people behind the mission
A dedicated nonprofit community of mentors, educators, and advocates committed to helping students succeed.
Jose Acevedo
John Castro
Meredith Davidson
Tk
Tk
OUR STUDENTS' SUCCESS
Where our students have been accepted
A's Academics students have earned admission to colleges and universities across the country — from local state schools to Ivy League institutions
Rutgers University
James Madison University
American University
Yale University
Hofstra University
Cornell University
University of Delaware
University of Tampa
Hampton University
Loyola University
Lehigh University
Princeton University
Iona
University
NJIT
University of Louisville
Syracuse University
Colgate University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
GET IN TOUCH
We'd love to hear from you
Whether you're a student, parent, volunteer, or potential donor — reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as possible
