ABC stands for A Better Chance and is one of the oldest national organizations of its kind, helping young people of color achieve their potential through education. A Better Chance (National) serves as a national clearinghouse for deserving students, and places them in boarding and day schools across the country, or in one of 23 public school programs including Madison, Connecticut. National A Better Chance Inc.’s program started in 1963, and the first Scholars came to Madison A Better Chance in 1970.
Madison ABC is one of National A Better Chance’s most successful and longstanding Community Schools Programs. Community Schools Programs provide Scholars with real-life experience of living and learning in a community with the benefit of an extensive support system and nurturing environment.
The strengths of a Community Schools Program are:
- Dedicated host family The host family provides deeper contact with the Madison community and a place in addition to the Roby House to relax and enjoy family connections.
- Dedicated Academic Advisor Each Scholar has a faculty member from the high school who helps advise and guide the Scholar academically throughout their high school experience.
- Dedicated adult mentor from the community Scholars are paired with an adult mentor from the community to help them navigate life outside of academics.
- Local community participation Scholars have an opportunity to contribute and give back to the local community.