Lynsey Wood Jeffries (MPA ’00) first witnessed the impact of Higher Achievement twenty-five years ago while accompanying a friend to volunteer at a DC public school. That day would inspire Jeffries to serve as a volunteer mentor herself, eventually joining the organization full-time in 2005.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Higher Achievement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for middle school students in underserved communities across Baltimore, Richmond, and the D.C. Metro Area. The organization provides year-round academic enrichment and mentorship to students throughout foundational years, fostering confidence, leadership, and preparing them for success in high school and beyond.
Higher Achievement has another reason to celebrate this year as well. "For two decades, Lynsey’s steadfast commitment to educational equity and her compassion for the Higher Achievement community has been a source of inspiration to those around her,” said Board Chair Michelle Gilliard in an article posted by the organization earlier this month. “Under her fearless leadership, Higher Achievement continues its legacy of increasing access to educational opportunity and unlocking untold potential for generations to come"
Read the full article and learn more about Lynsey’s ongoing leadership at Higher Achievement here.