San Francisco 49ers Academy
California [USA]

Two out of every three students from East Palo Alto are not graduating from high school is a sobering fact with undeniable social and economic consequences. In order to solve this crisis, we must first understand the factors that cause it. And that's what the 49ers Academy does. We understand that so much of what happens in the classroom in influenced by conditions outside of school. We work directly with the most disenfranchised student population, identifying and removing barriers to their success in school and life.

The 49ers Academy, a public alternative school, supported by a private non-profit agency, was founded in 1996 to serve 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from East Palo Alto who have been identified as hard to reach and hard to teach. These “at risk” students are in great need of personal attention, as well as support, mentoring and tutoring. The 49ers Academy provides just that – a safe and supportive environment staffed by highly talented teachers and staff. (adapted from website).