The Higher Learning Program

Summer Themes | Local And Global Travel | News And Events

Overview

Higher Learning's experiential education program is holistic in design. The program's active, hands-on approach moves youth beyond the familiar both locally and globally in order to nurture a desire for life long learning.

In addition to sharpening academic skills beyond the standard school curriculum, Higher Learning's programming integrates important 21st century skills like team work, creativity, ingenuity, and global awareness (along with reading, writing and speaking) in the context of real life situations. These experiences equip students with knowledge that will serve them well in both the classroom and the real world.

Youth who complete the Higher Learning Program will develop:

• A habit of thinking, inquiring, and challenging default assumptions
• A respect for and better understanding of their responsibility to themselves, family, and community
• An understanding of the relationship between personal experiences and collective social issues
• A better understanding of their relationship to and interconnectedness with the United States and the world
• Confidence, motivation, and a sense of empowerment; they will take steps to ensure positive, productive, and civic minded life choices, including those related to health and wellness, financial security and independence, community building, and self-presentation
• Literacy, communication, foreign language, team building, and thinking and reasoning skills
• Creativity, motivation, and greater success in school
• Improved occupational and educational choices and opportunities

Target Population

Higher Learning currently serves youth ages 11-17 in the Maryland area, particularly those in Carroll County where the program is located and Baltimore city. We emphasize the needs and experiences of students of color. 
 

The Summer Program

Time and Duration

Higher Learning's two session program (one for rising 11-13 year olds and one for rising 14-17 year olds) runs Monday through Friday 9:30am-3:30pm, with each session lasting four weeks. The program continues on Saturdays during the school year.

Curricular Activities

Each summer students develop various 21st century skill sets within the context of a core curricular theme. The summer theme for 2011 was Economics and Entrepreneurship.

Students learned about business and economics along with saving, investing, stocks, bonds, business plans, and entrepreneurship.  They also participated in Common Ground on the Hill, where they took classes in the creative and artistic arts.

International travel opportunities are available for 14-17 year old Higher Learning participants.  The summer 2011 destination was Cuernavaca, Mexico where students experienced a social justice themed travel seminar!

Cost

The general program fee is $35 per student per year for those who qualify for free/reduced price lunch. For others, the fee is on a sliding scale based on income level.

No family is turned away because of inability to pay.

Click here for Higher Learning registration information.

The Saturday Program

Time and Duration

During the school year, the Higher Learning program takes place on Saturdays from 9:30am-1:00pm. It runs for seven weeks during the fall semester and ten weeks during the spring.

Curricular Activities

The Saturday program focuses on the development of critical skills sets. Students participate in interactive lessons and activities that develop their writing, public speaking, listening, and reading skills in addition to foreign language, geography, and strategic, mathematical thinking (eg: chess). Students may also receive help with school work.

Students who will be traveling abroad will spend time learning about the country, culture and language in preparation for their trip. Most activities occur on site, but occasionally there is local travel.

Further, the 14-17 year olds have the opportunity to go on an overnight college tour to learn more about different schools and college life and preparation.

Cost

The general program fee is $35 per student per school year for those who qualify for free/reduced price lunch. For others, the fee is on a sliding scale based on income level. There is no additional cost for summer participants who choose to enroll in the Saturday program. 

No family is turned away for inability to pay.

Click here for Higher Learning registration information.

 

The Baltimore Program

Higher Learning has extended its program to youth in the city of Baltimore beginning with those under the supervision of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services.  Partnering with the Baltimore City Day and Evening Reporting Center (DERC),  the Higher Learning Baltimore Juvenile Services (BJS) program  serves youth ages 12-17 who have been referred to them by the courts for remediation.

The mission of the DERC is to guide and support at risk youth in Baltimore who are part of the Maryland Juvenile Justice system. Their goal is to reduce recidivism and opportunities to re-offend by providing close supervision, educational programming, and alternatives to criminal behavior.

Higher Learning has also partnered with The SEED School of Maryland to serve their students.  The SEED School is a public boarding school located in Baltimore city.  Higher Learning serves as a summer program option for their students.