Program Overview
A Better Chance of Andover provides academically talented young women of color an opportunity to grow, thrive, and become leaders. Accepted Scholars attend nationally accredited Andover High School and have access to its expansive college preparatory and leadership programs. The Scholars live in a dormitory setting on Main Street and are supported by academic advisors, college counselors, a host family, and a community of volunteers. During our 56 years in operation, over 150 alumni have gone on to college. ABC of Andover graduates went on to lead in their communities as educators, doctors, business leaders, lawyers, admissions and financial aid officers, accountants, social workers and professionals in a wide range of fields.
Let us introduce you to the program in this short video.
Why ABC of Andover?
Hear directly from Sherita, a parent of one of our alumni, on why her family chose ABC of Andover for Kijari’s high school experience.
Why We Chose ABC of Andover
So Much Beyond High School Classes
Amazing Network of Support
Teachers saw my potential and pulled it out of me.
–Skye, ABC Graduate
Academics
ABC of Andover scholars are expected to challenge themselves in the Andover High classroom as they prepare for college.
The program provides an array of resources to help Scholars be successful and offers a broad range of opportunities including:
Academic Advising
Each Scholar is paired with an ABC Academic Advisor for one-on-one support with study skills, academic planning, course selection, teacher and guidance counselor advocacy, and coordination of tutoring, extracurriculars, and volunteer opportunities.College Counseling
Beginning junior year, Scholars meet weekly with a professional College Counselor who supports college list development, applications, essay writing, interview preparation, and guidance on financial aid and scholarships.Standardized Test Preparation
Each Scholar receives one year of private, weekly tutoring focused on standardized test prep.Academic Support & Enrichment
Andover High School includes an advisory and enrichment hour that allows Scholars to seek extra help from faculty or participate in enrichment activities.Advanced Coursework Opportunities
AHS offers a wide range of electives, Advanced Placement courses, and a Dual Enrollment Program, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.Community Engagement
Scholars are encouraged to actively engage in their community through service and volunteer opportunities.Financial Literacy
ABC of Andover provides a Financial Literacy program to ensure Scholars graduate with a strong understanding of key financial concepts and responsibilities.
ABC of Andover graduates have been admitted to colleges and universities with full financial aid packages, including Barnard, Notre Dame, University of Southern California, Villanova, Boston University, American University, Williams College, Bentley University, Trinity College, and Syracuse University.
Exclusive College Loan Reduction for ABC of Andover
A new college loan reduction scholarship program funded by an ABC of Andover supporter, ONLY for ABC of Andover Scholars, provides up to $10,000 each year for a maximum of 4 years to reduce any loans included in financial aid packages.
Enrichment and Leadership Activities
Student Leadership & School Involvement
ABC Scholars participate in a wide range of extracurricular and leadership activities throughout the school year. Scholars have founded the Diversity Club and Black Student Union at Andover High School, taken on leadership roles with the town’s DEI Commission, and participated in robotics, GSA, debate, student government, service clubs, and varsity and club sports including swim, track and field, and field hockey. Many also participate in the high school’s performing arts programs, including drama and competitive show choir.
Summer Academic & Enrichment Programs
Scholars have access to fully funded summer academic and enrichment opportunities supported by ABC of Andover. Recent programs include pre-college academic courses at Brown, Notre Dame, and Harvard; Catholic University’s High School Drama Institute; and design programs at Savannah College of Art & Design and Temple University.
Global Learning & Study Abroad
Scholars may participate in international travel through Andover High School faculty-led trips or programs such as School of the World. The AHS Global Pathways Scholars Program also offers the opportunity to earn an official certification of global competence, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.
Residence Life
Our residence dorm, known as the ABC House, serves as a home away from home for Scholars. Students live in single or double rooms on the second and third floors, with shared bathrooms on each floor. Resident Assistants live alongside the students, providing daily support and supervision. Scholars are encouraged to personalize their rooms and make use of the common areas.
Scholars are supervised by Resident Assistants and program staff, with clear expectations around schedules, permissions, and communication when leaving the house. Transportation is coordinated through a shared Google Sheet, where Scholars submit weekly ride requests. Rides are provided by staff or volunteer drivers.
Shared meals are central to dorm life. Scholars eat dinner together four nights a week, prepared by our program cook. Other nights include rotating DIY or team cooking, and every Sunday the house comes together for a family-style community meal. The kitchen is stocked with healthy essentials, with one weekly specialty item available per Scholar. Breakfast and lunch are provided by the high school.
The ABC House is a welcoming space, and Scholars may invite friends to visit common areas with prior approval.
The Resident Director serves as the Health Liaison, working closely with families to coordinate medical needs and support Scholars’ overall health and wellness, including nutrition, exercise, and mental health resources.
A Day in the Life of an ABC Scholar
7:35 Students catch the bus in front of the ABC house
8:15 First class begins at the high school
2:50 Last class ends
2:50-5:00 Scholars are expected to participate in either an athletic sport or a combination of after school enrichment/club activities during this time.
5:15 Convene at the ABC house
5:30 Family style dinner
6:30-9:30 Mandatory study hours on school nights with the exception of Host Family night.
11:30 Lights-out with later times on Friday and Saturday nights
Interested in learning more or applying to our program? Email us!
“I wouldn't have had any of these opportunities, AP classes, SAT prep, sports, clubs, leadership, if I had stayed at home.”
— Fatouma, ABC Graduate