Our Mission

The SEED Foundation partners with urban communities to provide educational opportunities that prepare underserved students for success in college and beyond. SEED’s innovative model integrates a rigorous academic program with a nurturing boarding program, which teaches life skills and provides a safe and secure environment.

Our Vision

We believe that all young people, regardless of circumstances, should be able to achieve their true potential in life.

Together with students, families, educators, activists, communities, and policymakers who share this belief, SEED strives to foster a nation where:

• Students who need it most have access to a high-quality, college-preparatory, public boarding education;

• Low-income, first-generation, college-bound students receive the support they need to thrive in college and beyond; and

• Our public education system embraces innovation to empower all students to own their educational journeys.

By 2028, SEED will continue to build on its expertise and proven success to deliver these outcomes to as many students as possible, becoming a nationally recognized leader in education innovation and college access and success.

Why Does SEED Matter?

Should a child’s zip code determine his or her future? Are some children’s ambitions, strengths, and talents less worthy than others? The answers seem obvious, but the reality tells a different story.

For children growing up in a low-income household, receiving an excellent education is a series of seemingly insurmountable challenges:

But it doesn't have to be this way.

What is SEED?

SEED is the nation's first and only network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools designed for students who need—and deserve—a 24-hour learning environment to achieve their full potential. In classrooms, dorm meetings, dining halls, evening study halls, and exposure opportunities, our students become strong, determined, and self-aware. With the gift of time, we build a community of support that empowers students to own their educational journeys and succeed in college and beyond. 

We know that our students’ journeys are not finished on their high school graduation day, so neither are we. From their senior year through their college graduation, every SEED student/graduate has a staff member dedicated to their success thanks to SEED's College Transition & Success program.

The more than 1,000 students we serve in D.C., Maryland, Miami, and Los Angeles County in grades 6-12—and the more than 500 graduates in colleges across the country—prove every day what we already know: that ALL students can achieve success at the highest levels and realize their dreams. Our beliefs drive everything we do (see below). 

Current SEED Schools

Our Results

About 80% of SEED graduates are first-generation, college-bound students. And yet, they defy the odds starting early in their college careers and continuing through graduation day.

*Demographic and performance data as of Fall 2016.

Our Beliefs

6. FOCUS ON DATA & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

SEED schools use assessments and data analysis to show students their own progress and to keep practitioners focused and accountable.

7. Recruiting & Nurturing Outstanding Educators

SEED schools commit to hiring exceptional adults, and to supporting them so that they can better guide the achievement and success of SEED students.

8. Family & School Partnership

SEED collaborates with families to support the success of SEED students.

9. Community Relationships

SEED is committed to establishing relationships with community organizations to enhance the college readiness process for SEED students.