Programs

Ase Foundations (6th and 7th Grade Students)

Ase Foundations is designed to lay the framework for academic, cultural, and social success during the initial middle school years. College access research supports the belief that children, particularly those from first generation or disadvantaged educational systems, need to begin college preparation as early as 6th grade in order to be equipped for college matriculation. In addition to the Ase curriculum, Ase Foundations students also benefit from intense tutoring and basic skills training.

Students also begin a life skills and social development process, entering into a journey of self-discovery and adulthood with a community of mentors and elders to support and nurture them. Foundations is the cornerstone of Ase Academy and our program’s oldest component.

Ase Prep (8th and 9th Grade Students)

Ase Prep was developed to continue the life skills and social development process and enhance the skills students cultivated in Foundations. Ase Prep is designed to assist 8th and 9th grade students in the transition to high school by providing early exposure to college prep and critical social support for students during their transition to high school. Prep students are given increased responsibilities in the program to enhance their leadership abilities, as well as greater opportunities to showcase the artistic and academic skills they developed in Ase Foundations.

Ase Futures (10th, 11th, & 12th Grade Students)

Ase Futures is the 10-12 grade component of the Ase Academy. Futures students participate in weekly Saturday Sessions from October through April. Mornings are spent in College Prep workshops, including PSAT and SAT prep, college admissions support, and academic tutoring. Afternoons are divided into career and life skills workshops and arts classes. Students also participate in leadership and community service workshops with their Mentor group.

Ase Futures gives high school students the opportunity to obtain real world experience in major career fields including Technology, Health & Medicine, Business Development, and Social Sciences. Students complete this process by with an apprenticeship, wherein they train under college mentors and teach/mentor younger Ase students.

Ase Futures students are required to attend 22 Saturday sessions and any special events and outings, complete a college and career readiness portfolio, and participate in leadership training. Additionally, Futures must maintain a standard of academic excellence in school and serve as leaders in the wider Philadelphia community.