Beyond 12 aims to directly address the urgent college and career readiness challenge by initially impacting students across three Title I middle schools in Alamance County. Beyond 12 is a comprehensive and complimentary set of activities developed in partnership with the Alamance Burlington School System and the principals at each school that includes structured experiential learning intended to bring about increased knowledge and interest in college and career opportunities, reinforcement of academic habits and preparedness, and engagement of students in executive functioning skills.

In 2024, Dr. Travella Free, Executive Director for the Center for Access and Success, was awarded grant funding to implement the program. Beyond 12 is a 3-year project funded by the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. Students will participate in monthly sessions at their middle school campus during the academic year and 2 full-day sessions on Elon’s campus in the summer. Monthly workshops will expose middle school students to college and career educational sessions.

This approach will inspire students to choose to continue their education and create a plan beyond high school; increase college access by providing post-secondary education options and knowledge; develop college and career readiness skills; encourage students to explore careers and find careers they are passionate about; and build important life skills, including social skills, stress management, self-discipline, self-motivation, and responsibility.

For more information contact, Dr. Vanessa Diggs at 336-278-6293 or at vdiggs@elon.edu.