12 IS NOT
ENOUGH
Students from underserved communities often lack the resources and supports that are needed to fully explore their postsecondary options. Making an uninformed decision can straddle a high school graduate with decades of debt and little to no means of career growth.
12 Plus’ mission is to not only ensure students continue their education beyond the 12th grade but also provide the tools and guidance necessary to independently and successfully navigate through life.
The numbers are startling. The implications are wide. It's time to take action
THE SITUATION
The recommended ratio of school counselors to students according the ASCA.
250 : 1
468 : 1
PHILADELPHIA RATIO
318 : 1
CAMDEN RATIO
Across the nation, education resources are stretched thin. Now, more than ever, there is a crucial need for communities to invest in their students’ futures.
Whether it’s college, a trade apprenticeship, or a workforce development certification, every student deserves a dedicated opportunity to continue their education beyond the 12th grade.
58%
AVERAGE INCREASE IN “FIRST AND SECOND YEAR COLLEGE MATRICULATION RATE” AFTER 12 PLUS PARTNERS WITH A HIGH SCHOOL
Far too many students are left behind in the journey toward a better future. 12 Plus bridges that gap—fueling ambition, sparking curiosity, and ensuring every young person is prepared to thrive beyond the classroom.
OUR INITIATIVES
Our approach supports our initiatives by creating a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and beyond graduation. Our current initiatives are focused on six key areas:
HELPING BUILD SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL CULTURES
Creating a meaningful, lasting school culture requires collaboration. We work with administrators, teachers, and communities to help create a culture of postsecondary success.
TAILORED SERVICES FOR EACH PARTNER SCHOOL
Every school is unique. We partner with counselors, teachers, and student leaders to tailor our services and meet each school’s specific college and career readiness needs.
FORGING COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
We work carefully with existing community partners and allies, leveraging our collective resources to bring the most competitive opportunities to our students.
LONGITUDINAL AND COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT
Our program model emphasizes the importance of relationship building, which is only possible through high-frequency and long-term advising. We work with students from Freshman year to years after graduation.
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS PROGRAMS
We know that there are many paths to success after high school, so our programming is designed to inspire students regardless their postsecondary plans. This multi-faceted approach builds trust and engagement with a wide array of students.
ONGOING GUIDANCE TO ENSURE COMPLETION
“Getting in” is just the start. We not only help students apply and get accepted but also prepare them for the challenges ahead. Through our ongoing Alumni Support program, we ensure they succeed in their chosen postsecondary path.
OUR PARTNER SCHOOLS
12 Plus partners with high schools across Philadelphia and Camden. From traditional neighborhood schools to specialized CTE and career readiness programs to project-based curriculum, each of our schools has a unique identity.
Kensington Health Sciences Academy
Penn Treaty High School
Hill-Freedman World Academy
Kensington High School
The LINC High School
Camden High | Big Picture Learning Academy | Brimm Medical Arts
Eastside High School
Jules E Mastbaum High School
Walter B Saul High School
POSTSECONDARY
IMPACT
We understand the importance of helping students find the right fit in the post-high school education and career development. That’s why 12 Plus dedicates hours of individual advising to help students find opportunities that align with their interests and needs. We work with postsecondary institutions and employers to highlight often-unknown options for students, recognizing that there is no “one size fits all” approach to postsecondary advising.
Percent Distribution of Postsecondary Pahs
3-Year College Matriculation Rates
It is through these close-knit partnerships and our continued Alumni Support programs that we are able to see students successfully be accepted, enroll, and ultimately matriculate into the postsecondary education. Our goal is to help guide students to a path of sustainability, independence, and life-long learning.
OUR
MOTTO
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We BELIEVE in every student’s potential and work with everyone to find their right postsecondary path.
Last year, we worked with over 4200 students across 12 different high schools. And our community continues to grow!
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We ACT by dedicating hours to discovering each student’s interested and needs before offering advice.
12 Plus runs dozens of workshops for every grade, hosts school and city-wide events, and on average, meets with each senior for 13 individual advising sessions.
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It’s our students who INSPIRE their peers through their incredible achievements.
Last year, 76% of students were accepted to a post-secondary institution and collectively, they were awarded $11.3 million in debt-free financial aid.