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.

What is SEED?

The Gift of Time

SEED's "Gift of Time"

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). 

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. Read more about our results here.

OUR CORE VALUES

Respect:

We show respect for all people by being civil, cordial, courteous, and having appreciation for the value and dignity of all people and things.

Responsibility:

We display responsibility by taking ownership and being accountable for our words, actions, and results.

Perseverance:

We exemplify perseverance by having steady commitment, persistence, and patience, even when there are obstacles or discouragement.

Integrity:

We act with integrity by being honest and fair and doing the right thing even when no one is looking.

Compassion:

We exhibit compassion by showing concern and empathy, being helpful, and supporting others.

Gratitude:

We show gratitude by extending kindness and expressing appreciation for the gifts, time, and talent of others.

Growth:

We demonstrate growth through our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and learning.

Our Beliefs

1.  College-Bound Culture

SEED provides students with the academic, organizational, and life skills that enable them to attend and graduate from college.

2.  A 24 - Hour Learning Environment

SEED commits to keeping every student safe and secure, to using the gift of time, and to providing fulfilling academic and life experiences.

3. Positive Culture of High Expectations

SEED students and staff are expected to relentlessly pursue excellence and to consistently exhibit the SEED core values.

4. Integrated & Engaging Program to Foster Love of Learning

SEED helps each student find his or her passion through academics, enrichment programs, social/emotional supports, and authentic experiences.

5. Individual Student Support

SEED commits to targeted student support and coordinated communication between students, parents and practitioners..

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.