Minds Matter Washington D.C. Sends Students to Prestigious Summer Programs  

New York, NY – March 30, 2016 – Minds Matter Washington, D.C. is sending its first class of students to summer programs this year. Several students have already gained acceptance to prestigious programs at Harvard Medical School via the National Student Leadership Conference, Cornell and Carnegie Mellon.

Minds Matter is an intensive three-year academic and mentoring program that transforms the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families. Minds Matter students attend academic or cultural summer programs following their sophomore and/or junior years of high school. Students’ volunteer mentors guide them through the program selection and application process. Minds Matter students often receive partial scholarships to attend these programs, and Minds Matter pays for remaining costs.

Summer programs are intended to help students retain and build on academics as well as to develop strengths around non-cognitive skills. Ellen Magnis, Executive Director of the national office of Minds Matter, notes, “Many Minds Matter students are the first in their families to attend college. Across the country, about 90% of our students are students of color; 70% are female. Most of these students come from families earning less than $24,000 annually. The summer program experience is game changing for these kids. These program give students a wonderful opportunity to understand that they belong on a college campus, and to know firsthand what they are working towards in their college preparation.”

Minds Matter Washington, D.C. is serving its first class of students this year. The chapter will soon accept its next class of sophomores for Fall 2016.

“I am so proud to be part of this program that changes the trajectory of the lives of our students,” says Jonathan Schwebel, President of Minds Matter, D.C., “We are grateful to so many who have come forward in partnership with us as we get this important program started in our community, especially Hogan Lovells, our partner providing space for our sessions, and the generous individual donors/philanthropists in the DC area who have a clear investment in the success of DC students, and who have given this organization its wings to get off the ground.”

About Minds Matter
Minds Matter transforms the lives of accomplished high school students from low-income families by broadening their dreams and preparing them for college success. Through a highly selective and rigorous 3-year academic mentoring program, Minds Matter students accomplish the extraordinary. 100% of Minds Matter program graduates are accepted into a four-year college. More than 70% of them attend some of our nation’s more selective colleges. Powered by 1,900 volunteers nationwide, Minds Matter Chapters are located in 13 cities across the country. The national office of Minds Matter is located in Manhattan.