Our Programs

The power of the Teacher-Mentor model.

Elevate's unique, relationship-based approach employs full-time staff who represent the community they serve. The strength of those relationships is developed through four key program components.

What Makes Us Unique

Five commitments
that set us apart.

Elevate's approach is shaped by decades of showing up in schools and neighborhoods. These five principles hold every affiliate accountable to the same standard.

01
Full-time, salaried Teacher-Mentors who are representative of our student population are available to their Elevate students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
02
our staff works with students from year to year. This long-term relational approach allows for a pipeline of influence from 2nd through 12th grade.
03
We focus students' attention and energy into four program areas: Accredited Classes, Mentoring, Adventure, and College & Career.
04
Cross-age mentoring allows our high-school students to become leaders and role models for elementary youth.
05
Elevate is not limited to the school year. our year-round programming ensures students stay engaged.

The Elevate Model

our program areas

Pillar 01

Accredited classes

Building character and life skills

An elective accredited class taught in public schools.
A year-long, day-by-day curriculum focused on Elevate's 13 key character qualities and life skills.
Fully aligned with Common Core State Standards and Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) Competencies.
Students collaborate through experiential learning, group activities, and discussions.
Cross-age mentoring occurs weekly as high school students teach similar lessons to elementary-age students.

Pillar 02

Mentoring

Walking alongside students

Teacher-Mentors spend 50% of their time outside the classroom mentoring high-school and junior-high students.
Teacher-Mentors are available on evenings, weekends, and over the summer.
They pay attention to the whole child — discovering talents, interests, and hopes for the future through activities and quality time.
Teacher-Mentors are the positive role model whose presence can shift the trajectory of a student's future.

Pillar 03

Adventure

Growth through challenge

Elevate believes in pushing students to explore life beyond their comfort zone.
Through new and challenging experiences, students develop teamwork and leadership skills.
Adventure activities include rafting, skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, and more.

The Curriculum

13 character qualities
& life skills.

Every accredited class in every city returns to the same thirteen throughlines — practiced, modeled, and taught back across grade levels.

01LeadershipWe can motivate others to accomplish a common goal.
02Decision MakingWe can evaluate and make good choices.
03IntegrityWe live out our values consistently.
04Goal SettingWe can set deadlines for our dreams.
05Career MindedWe have a plan for what happens after graduation.
06CommunicationWe can clearly share our thoughts and ideas with others.
07CaringWe meet others in their place of need.
08Problem SolvingWe can recognize a challenge and create a positive solution.
09ResponsibilityWe fulfill our commitments faithfully.
10Positive Work EthicWe work with all of our heart.
11VisionWe plan for and commit to a better future.
12CourageWe take a risk to do good.
13RespectWe honor ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Meet the next generation of leaders.

The relationships in these four programs don't just produce graduates — they produce alumni who come back to show up for the next student.

Success stories →