Challenge
A student’s family income is still the top predictor of whether they will succeed in school and go to college. In the U.S., only 9% of students from low-income families earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24, compared to 77% of students from high-income families. That gap has serious consequences for social mobility, economic security, and lifelong opportunity.
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Tutoring and college counseling are proven to help close this gap, but most low-income students lack access to either. Many attend schools with limited resources, and face barriers to getting help outside of class: they may not have internet at home, transportation to after-school programs, or the flexibility to attend set times due to jobs or caregiving responsibilities.
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​Across the U.S., 8 million low-income middle and high school students could benefit from these supports—but for most, they remain out of reach.
Solution
UPchieve gives students the support they need—when they need it. A student signs up in minutes and can log in 24/7 to request help. Whether they’re stuck on a math problem, drafting a college essay, or unsure where to apply, they’re matched within five minutes to a trained volunteer coach.
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Sessions happen online through a chat-based platform with optional voice and a shared whiteboard. Students use UPchieve as often as they want, at no cost.
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Because UPchieve is both tech-enabled and volunteer-powered, it keeps costs low while staying personal and responsive. It costs just $5 to provide a student with unlimited academic support for a full year.
Last update: 2025
Impact
Gardner alumni overwhelmingly remain in the public and non-profit sectors throughout their professional careers. They primarily continue professionally in service leadership roles in justice, government, law, education and non-profit management positions.
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Notable alumni include:
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Yassamin Ansari, U.S. Congressmember
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Grant Harris, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce
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Gavin Helf, Senior Expert on Central Asia for the U.S. Institute of Peace
Leadership
Terri Bimes
Director
Terri Bimes is a Teaching Professor in the Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science, teaching courses on the presidency and the senior honor thesis writing seminar. Her past publications include articles on populism and presidential elections.
