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No One Gets There Alone
About Us
MISSION: To build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
In Jacksonville, a large majority of urban youth lack even one caring adult in their life, leading directly to increased dropout rates, unemployment, crime, and other roadblocks to their success. Elevate has proven effective in changing these trends and transforming the lives of our nation’s youth. Elevate Jacksonville uses the same model that has been successful across the U.S. to help change the outcomes for students in our city.
The Elevate model is endorsed by school superintendents nationwide
Elevate Jacksonville highlighted in the news
What We Do

Accredited Classes
Full time teacher-mentors teach ACCREDITED ELECTIVE classes in public high schools. These classes incorporate 13 vital character qualities and life skills into our daily classroom curriculum through experiential learning, group activities and discussions. These qualities and skills are designed to develop the personal character, leadership abilities and capabilities needed for success. Click here to learn more about the Elevate curriculum.

Mentoring
Teacher-mentors spend 50% of their time mentoring high school students after school, on weekends and throughout the summer. They pay attention to the WHOLE CHILD, discovering their talents, interests and hopes for the future, and then investing in those through activities and time together. Our after-school partners offer extended mentoring, enabling us to reach deeper into the lives of our students.

Adventure
Elevate students develop teamwork and leadership skills year-round by participating in activities after-school, on weekends, and during the summer. These programs allow students to build confidence in their own abilities by exploring experiences outside their comfort zone. This adventure component also challenges students to utilize their in-classroom training in practical ways.

College & Career
At Elevate we know that high school graduation day is just the beginning. We provide support to students taking their next steps by assisting with the
Career planning
College scholarships
Admission applications process
Running interview practice sessions
Exam preparation
What makes us unique
Teacher-Mentors representive of students
Teacher-mentors are hired from the community or similar backgrounds, so they can relate to the students and serve as role models.
Cross Age Mentoring
High school students visit a local elementary school each week to teach the same character qualities and life skills they are learning in class; becoming leaders and role models.
Year-round Programming
Programs are not limited to the school year, but offered year around.
Long term relationship approach
Teacher-mentors work with students from year to year, allowing for a "pipeline" of influence from 2nd through 12th grade.
What Happens When Elevate Shows Up?
IMPACT
Whether you measure it in academic outcomes, lives changed, or the cost savings to society, one thing proves true: the Elevate model is effective. Outcomes from Elevate affiliates across the U.S. show the following results.
85% Graduation
100% Post Secondary
Character Growth
The average graduation rate in urban schools across the United States hovers around the 60% mark. For students who participate in Elevate programs for three years or more, the graduation rate can improve to 90%.
Whether these graduates go on to college, technical training or the military. These students are being prepared for future success and leadership in their spheres of influence.
Along with improved school success, a six year longitudinal study conducted by a third party evaluator shows significant growth in all 13 character and life skill areas. This is the basis for CHANGED LIVES.
Interview with Dr. Bostic and Students
Learn more about Elevate Jacksonville and how we are impacting the lives of young people in our community.
Community Launch
2017
Preliminary discussions started with city leaders about starting an Elevate affiliate in Jacksonville.
Community Launch
Our Status
Formation
2018
A board of directors was formed with plans to raise startup funds and hire an Executive Director.
Contact Us
Get in touch with Elevate Jacksonville to learn more about our work and find out how to get involved. We appreciate your support!
Email:
Phone:
(904) 683-7075
Physical Address:
4940 Emerson St Ste 104
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Mailing Address:
PO Box 551052
Jacksonville, FL 32255
Raines Launch
January 2019
The Elevate course began at Raines High School as an accredited, elective course with 91 students enrolled. Plans begin to launch Elevate at Ribault High School.
Ribault Launch
January 2020
The Elevate course began at Ribault High School. This program is supported by a grant from the Weaver Family Foundation Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Plans then began to launch Elevate at Ribault Middle School.
Ribault Middle Launch
September 2021
Two more Teacher/Mentors were hired and trained, and the Elevate course began at Ribault Middle School in November 2021. Plans to launch Terry Parker High School began.
Terry Parker Launch
January 2022
Two additional Teacher/Mentors were hired and trained, and the Elevate course began at Terry Parker High January 2022. Plans to grow further are being analyzed.