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What is the Madison ABC?

The Madison A Better Chance Program exists solely for the education of its students. Its goal is to provide qualified students from inner city communities with the opportunity for an outstanding secondary school education. This will enable them to excel in college and go on to assume positions of leadership and responsibility.

Selection
All ABC student scholars undergo a rigorous admissions process to become a part of the program. First, teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, ABC alumni and other volunteers nationwide identify promising students and recommend that they look into the ABC Program. These students demonstrate both academic talent and strong motivation to succeed. Each candidate completes the application requirements of the national program, which include the SSAT or ISEE. Madison ABC then selects the students who are the best match with the educational, cultural and social opportunities our program has to offer. The top candidates are invited to come to Madison for a couple of days and interact with other ABC students and the resident staff, visit the high school and meet with ABC board members. The board members then finalize their selection.

Daniel Hand High School

Madison’s Daniel Hand High School gives the ABC students the opportunity to become an integral part of the school. Students are assigned an academic advisor who assists with scholastic decisions and student development. ABC Student’s are required to maintain at least a B average and they consistently attain honor roll status.

Home in Madison
Madison ABC students reside at the Roby House on Durham Road. The students live with resident director David Robinson, who runs the day-to-day operations of the household and helps create a family environment at the house.

David is an ABC alumnus, having graduated from the ABC program in 1981. The resident tutor, Kendrick Robinson, also resides at the house and supervises the students during their evening study hours. The students follow the rules, do chores and keep a curfew, as in most families.

Host Families
Each ABC student becomes part of a Madison host family. One weekend a month, the student stays with his host family, sharing family life and activities. This gives the student the opportunity to bond with people in the community. Plus, the host family is in a great position to support their ABC son because usually they have a child who is attending D.H.H.S. The ABC student and his host family forge a relationship which continues long after the student graduates from the program.

Activities
All of the ABC students this year are actively involved in sports, band, Show Choir, and the Peer Advocates program. In recent years, Madison ABC students have served as captain of the lacrosse team and have broken sports records in track. They have also participated in community efforts such as Green Up Clean Up. The students are also a big part of Madison ABC activities, working at the ACT II Thrift Shop and the Holiday Concert.

Graduation
Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection for the Madison ABC students. Our graduates are honored at a special party at the Roby House and at our June Annual Meeting. One highlight of this meeting is the guest speaker, and influential person of color who shares his life experience. In addition, the host families share heartwarming memories of the past four years.