HIGH BEAM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping under-resourced high school students cultivate the will and the way to earn a college degree. Our unique program kicks off with travel and using its transformational power to set the stage for the following phases of the program. Because we believe that education attainment isn't just about high grades, we spend the rest of our program focusing on the whole person by teaching non-academic skills needed to identify and take advantage of opportunities, offering encouragement, and fostering an environment of positivity and confidence. 

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Why We Do What We Do

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In a time when inequality is a continually growing social issue, robots and AI are taking over jobs and the lifetime earnings of a college-educated worker is double that of one without a degree, education attainment must be a central part of the solution not only for representation, but also to keep agile in a constantly changing world of work.

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We're looking for high school students who want to explore and learn about the opportunities for a bright future and for community members invested in helping to create a stronger society.

 

Not only does a college-educated workforce benefit individuals and local communities, they are a crucial part of the nation's growth. According to a 2018 study from Georgetown University's Center for Education and the Workforce, the U.S. sees 1/2 million high school students graduate each year who qualify for but never go to college. In 2011, they reported that an increase of the number of college graduates—by just 2.6%—would increase the GDP by $500 billion. The current number is in the trillions.

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Students, companies, mentors, funders... be a part of the solution. Join us.

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Origin Story

 

HIGH BEAM was born during a British school's transatlantic trip, inside the New York Stock Exchange, in a moment when a student went from not having a goal, dream, or desire for a professional career to unbridled eagerness to study, pursue a career in finance, and dream of working in New York City.

 

This is the transformative power of travel.

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We believe in the potential of a spark to ignite a fire and illuminate unseen paths of knowledge and opportunities. Any flame needs fuel to keep burning, though, and HIGH BEAM is dedicated to helping under-resourced students find that spark through a special program that begins with travel and is followed by personal development tracks, mentorship, and more. Given the opportunity to dream and discover, we believe that students can keep the fire burning and we want to be there to partner with them.