About SEEDS – Access Changes Everything
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Welcome to SEEDS – Access Changes Everything
SEEDS – Access Changes Everything, formerly New Jersey SEEDS, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 that prepares motivated, high-achieving, low-income students for admission to private schools and colleges across the country. Approximately 350 students will be served by SEEDS’ academic programs this year, with more than 550 additional students receiving additional support through SEEDS’ Guidance department. An additional 1,900 alumni are continuing their educations in college or graduate school or are in the workforce.
Each of our programs provides a demanding course of study designed to develop the intellectual and leadership potential of our students and prepare them for long-term success. We strive to ensure that our students receive 90-100 percent in financial aid from the selective schools and colleges they attend. We encourage our alumni to pursue lives of professional accomplishment, leadership and service to the community, thus realizing their full potential.
Young Scholars participate in a 14-month program that begins with a summer program following fourth or fifth grade, meets on Saturdays during fifth or sixth grade and culminates with a second five-week summer program the summer before sixth or seventh grade. The Young Scholars Program is open to students in Greater Newark (Newark, Irvington, Orange or East Orange).
The Scholars Program takes place over a 14-month period, beginning in the summer after seventh grade with a three-week residential program, continuing Saturdays during the eighth grade year, and culminating in a second three-week residential experience during the summer between eighth and ninth grade. The Scholars Program is open to students who live in low-income communities in the state of New Jersey.
College Scholars participate in a 17-month education experience designed to prepare and place top-performing, low-income students from eligible public high schools in highly competitive colleges with excellent preparation and sufficient financial aid. Our Placement team works with students to identify the most appropriate school with regard to academics, social environment and cultural fit.
Our Guidance and Alumni Programs serve students who have completed the SEEDS program. Our Guidance team provides direct services to approximately 550 graduates after placement in middle schools, high schools and colleges. Our Alumni department provides support services to alumni in college and beyond.
SEEDS – Access Changes Everything has been recognized locally and nationally. Our work in changing lives and building communities has been recognized by the Althea Gibson Foundation, Bank of America, Jersey Cares, Mutual of America, Oprah’s Angel Network, the Partnership in Philanthropy, and Rutgers University.
In addition, Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of the financial health and efficiency of nonprofit organizations, has awarded SEEDS four consecutive 4-star ratings. This is Charity Navigator’s highest possible rating and indicates that SEEDS “adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way.” Only 14% of Charity Navigator evaluated nonprofits have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star evaluations.
If you cannot find the information you are looking for on our website, please call us at (973) 642-6422.
SEEDS – Access Changes Everything does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, nationality, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by law in the admission to and administration of its programs and services. All students share the same rights and privileges.
Mission Statement
SEEDS – Access Changes Everything changes the lives of motivated, high-achieving students from low-income families by transforming their educational opportunities. We ensure that our students have the knowledge, skills, access and support to thrive at the nation’s finest schools and colleges.
Vision Statement
SEEDS – Access Changes Everything strives for a world in which young people’s initiative, creativity and intellect can flourish without regard to socioeconomic status.
Core Values
The Pursuit of Learning
Learning is at the core of the SEEDS mission. The entire SEEDS community – students, teachers, staff members, parents, and trustees – believes that learning is the way to improve our own lives and the lives of others.