Mission and History
Summer on the Hill (SOH) is a year-round educational enrichment program dedicated to nurturing academically talented students whose socio-economic status prevents them from taking advantaged of New York City’s varied academic resources. As the only enrichment program in New York that recruits public school children beginning in the 2nd grade and works with them through high school, SOH provides an unparalleled educational opportunity for promising public school students in the Bronx, Washington Heights, and Harlem. Now in its 18th year, SOH has served 1,000 students and their families.
SOH’s mission is to enrich the education of promising, disadvantaged public school students from the Bronx, Washington Heights, and Harlem, prepare them for admission to selective schools and colleges where they will have opportunities to develop their potential, and offer guidance to their parents.
“What I like about SOH is that we have classes of every subject with teachers who care about our education. Another thing I like is sports, because at least once a day, you need to exercise…SOH has changed me as a student in public school. When I go to school, my teachers pull me to the side and tell me how much I have improved. When they say that, I feel happy!” –Paulette, 5th grader
SOH on a tour of Vassar College
History
Established in 1994 as a summer experience for 21 public school students on the hillside campus of the Horace Mann School, SOH has developed into a Grade 3-12, year-round program under the direction of founder and Executive Director, Dr. John McIvor. In 2010-2011 year, SOH has an enrollment of 190 students in its Grade 3-8 program, and 70 students in its High School program.
1995: SOH added academic-year Saturday morning classes for year-round enrichment.
1999: As students began to move up to high school, SOH started a High School Program.
2001: SOH added afternoon classes, free lunch and busing to its Grade 3-8 Program.
2004: SOH was incorporated by the NY State Department of Education.
2005: This year, SOH was certified as an independent 501(c)3 organization by the IRS and received a major grant from Time Warner for additional enrichment and test prep classes, individualized college counseling, and college trips.
2006: With a two-year grant from the New York Community Trust, SOH implemented a summer bridge-to-high school program for rising 9th graders. SOH also began to participate in the NYC DOE Summer SchoolFood program and the NYS DOH Child and Adult Care Food program.
2007: SOH received a two-year renewal grant from Time Warner.
2009: SOH thanks all of its donors for helping SOH to reach its 15th anniversary year and providing essential academic classes and guidance to 750 students!
SOH is looking to the future by developing every child’s unique gifts. Staff works with children individually at all levels of the program:
• The Director of Recruitment and Admission supplements information received from nominating schools by interviewing prospective students and their parents.
• SOH’s Dean of Students meets with students and/or parents to discuss academic or behavioral concerns.
• The Director of Placement offers guidance on school choices to all 8th graders and their families, as well as the parents of younger student who are applying to independent schools.
• Graduates of SOH’s Grade 3-8 program are encouraged to attend SOH’s High School Program SAT, writing, and science review classes. The High School Program offers individual college counseling, feedback on the college essay, and college trips.