ACHIEVE Academy
Achieve Academy prepares high school students to confidently pursue their goals after graduation.
Career-connected learning serves as the framework for the curriculum, connecting students’ education to future possibilities through career exploration, leadership development, and real-world training.
Achieve Big Buddies
Achieve Big Buddies gives high school students meaningful opportunities to lead, serve, and make a difference in their community.
Students earn community service hours by mentoring younger students, supporting Achieve events, and participating in service projects. Through opportunities like Achieve SPARK, Big Buddies build their own confidence, communication, and leadership skills while serving as positive role models for elementary school students.
Achieve Scholars
LOCATIONS: Booker T. Washington SHS, Homestead SHS, Miami Central SHS, Miami Edison SHS, Miami Jackson SHS, Miami Norland SHS, Miami Northwestern SHS, Miami Southridge SHS, Robert Morgan SHS, South Dade SHS
Achieve Scholars helps students in grades 9–12 prepare for college and reach their academic and personal potential.
With individualized guidance from Success Coaches, students receive support with SAT preparation, college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and personal and professional development. Select students can also gain valuable work experience through the paid Achieve Summer Internship.
Achieve Works
Achieve Works helps students explore career pathways and prepare for careers they can begin after high school.
Through career coaching, industry exploration, field trips, mentorship, and paid summer internships, students gain firsthand exposure to different fields while developing practical skills like resume writing, interviewing, teamwork, professional communication, and financial literacy. Students learn what training and certifications their chosen careers require and build the knowledge, connections, and confidence to enter the workforce with purpose.
Achieve Alumni
The Achieve Alumni Program supports former Achieve Scholars through their transition to college, with a focus on helping them thrive during their first year.
Alumni receive ongoing mentorship, monthly one-on-one check-ins, and workshops on topics like choosing classes, getting involved on campus, building professional networks, managing their well-being, and exploring opportunities such as studying abroad.
The goal is to ensure students feel supported, academically, socially, and personally, as they adjust to college life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How will I receive my service letter?
The High School Team will send service letters three times a year after each semester (Fall accumulated hours will be sent in January, Spring accumulated hours will be sent in May, and Summer accumulated hours will be sent in August). Emails will come from calendar@achievemiami.org to the email you registered with that we have on file. You can direct any questions to Emily Pendas, Manager of High School and Alumni Programs, emilypendas@achievemiami.org
Can I sign up for Achieve Scholars or Achieve Works midway through the semester?
Yes, you can apply for either program midway through a term if you attend one of our 10 partner high schools that offer the program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and your participation would begin at the start of the following semester.
Who can sign up to be a Big Buddy?
Big Buddy (high school volunteers) registrations are open to any 8-12th grade student who wants an opportunity to mentor elementary students and earn community service hours.
Do I have to be a Big Buddy if I am an Achieve Scholar or Achieve Works participant?
Yes, we do ask Achieve Scholars and Achieve Works participants to attend 6 Achieve SPARK dates as a Big Buddy. However, you do not need to register as a Big Buddy. Your registration as a Scholar or Works participant automatically registers you as a Big Buddy.
How do I become a Junior Advisory Board Member (JAB)?
Applications for JAB open in October and decisions come out in December. Exceptionally active students are invited to apply. If you’re interested, talk to a member of the Achieve Miami High School Team.
How do I start an Achieve Big Buddies club at my school, or a special community service project?
If you are interested in starting an Achieve Big Buddies club at your school or leading a special community service project to benefit Achieve Miami, please reach out to Emily Pendas (emilypendas@achievemiami.org).