Timeline

1989:

Latin School and Francis W. Parker School start High Jump with 16 students and full funding from the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.
High Jump not only prepared me for high school & college — I am prepared for life. Working at High Jump made me realize this community has become a part of my life — an experience I can never forget.

— Tina Li, Alumni Cohort 12

1991:

The first students graduate from High Jump.

1994:

The Cohort size increases to 40 students.

1995:

High Jump Cohort 1 enters college.

1999:

Cohort 1 graduates from college; Cohort 11 enters program.

2000:

Curriculum is enhanced with additional courses.  High Jump graduates matriculate to more than 40 different public, parochial, independent day and boarding schools. 

2001:

High Jump becomes an independent non-profit organization.

Latin School of Chicago continues to serves as the program’s host, contributing use of the schools facilities and other support.

2002:

High Jump obtains $75,000 challenge grant from Kenny's Kids to increase cohort size to 65.

Collaboration between High Jump and Cornell University for summer engineering seminars begins.

2004:

Richard J. Almeida Award is established to honor extraordinary dedication and contributions to High Jump.

Richard J. Almeida, High Jump’s founding board chair, is the first recipient. 

2006:

The Cornell University summer program is expanded to increase concentrations in literature, math and theater.

Michelle Obama serves as Honorary Chair for High Jump’s Thought Leadership Luncheon featuring a keynote address by educational expert Dr. Mel Levine.

2007:

Adele Simmons serves as Honorary Chair for High Jump’s Thought Leadership Luncheon featuring a keynote address by Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, a sociologist and professor of Education at Harvard University.

2008:

High Jump moves programming to the Latin School of Chicago’s state-of-the-art middle school. 

High Jump becomes a founding member of National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA). 

2009:

High Jump celebrates 20 years of service.

High Jump’s 20th Anniversary Benefit, Middle School Madness, raises over $300,000 to support the program.  Paula Hannaway Crown and Chicago’s First Lady, Maggie Daley serve as Honorary Chairs. 

2010:

During the 2009-2010 school year, over 160 schools were visited and presentations were made to over 3,400 students.

High Jump is the recipient of John Buck Company Foundation’s Spring Fling proceeds.   Funding supports a pilot second campus initiative.  Prep 6, takes place at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools focusing on rising sixth grade students.