On June 13, family, friends, and mentors celebrated the 32 graduates of AHC’s College & Career Readiness (CCR) program. This year’s graduates included nine students who started in AHC’s Afterschool program as elementary students and worked their way all the way through high school in the CCR program.
The graduates applied to 120 schools and received 157 acceptances. The students received $4.625 million in gift aid and scholarships from those schools. This year’s graduates are moving on to two- and four-year schools, trade schools, the military, and the workforce.
Of the graduates planning to continue their education, many are first-generation students, making them the first in their families to reach this educational milestone.
The CCR program has served more than 300 students since its inception nearly 10 years ago in 2016. This year, 62 high school students participated in the program. Tutors, mentors, and staff members attended the graduation ceremony. The event had two keynote speakers, graduating seniors Dana Mendoza and Harold Arnez.
Dana grew up at Gates of Ballston and has been in AHC’s education programs for 11 years. She also works with AHC, supporting young students in our programs.
“I began working with AHC, and it’s been an incredible experience over the past two years,” Dana said. “I’ve improved my communication skills — became confident in interacting with new people. I’ve learned how to earn the respect of the kids, ensuring they feel safe and confident in approaching me, not just as another staff member, but also a friend they can talk to.”
Dana received a full tuition scholarship to attend George Mason University in the fall and will major in education. In her speech, she thanked AHC staff members who have been instrumental in her life.
Harold, a former resident of Gates of Ballston, joined CCR in high school and enjoyed being able to grow not only academically, but also socially. He said he’s grateful to all who make AHC’s programs possible.
“We all have different backgrounds and different starting points, but somehow, we all made it together in this program helped by the staff and people to help guide us towards our future opportunities that are possible after high school.”
— Harold, 2025 CCR Graduate
Harold will be attending Virginia Tech in the fall to study chemical engineering.
Watch a video of the keynote speeches by Dana and Harold.
This year’s graduates received prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Linda H. Woodley Service Scholarship, multiple Arlington Community Foundation scholarships, and university-specific honors like the University of Mary Washington Merit Scholarship and a full-ride scholarship to William & Mary. In May, AHC also held a Decision Day event for CCR seniors and celebrated their next steps.
CCR mentors play important roles in students’ success. Their connection to the students creates lasting and meaningful relationships. Many mentors have worked with students for multiple years. Read about one pair who has worked together for nine years.
Thank you to all the mentors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters for celebrating the Class of 2025 and for playing such an important role in their success.
Where the Graduates Are Headed After Graduation
- Cosmetology program
- George Mason University
- The George Washington University
- Hollins University
- James Madison University
- McGill University
- Military
- North Carolina A&T University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Radford University
- Trade school & certificate programs (electrician & plumbing training)
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Tech
- William & Mary
- Workforce
Interested in Mentoring or Tutoring? Learn more.
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