Target Outcomes and Achievements

Our target outcomes include each of our Empowerment Through Action students graduating from Hillsdale High School. We hope they sustain resilient mental health practices while serving as agents of change for others to improve our community. Lastly, we hope they are connected with a job or pursuing higher education by the time they graduate.

 Empowerment Through Action Activities

These activities and resources help support students’ learning and growth.

ETA Achievements 2018-2023

  • 2023 graduation rates:  97% for ETA participants vs 82% for socioeconomically similar peers

  • 50% reduction in suspension rates

  • Over 70% of students reported they “felt more confidence” and “learned positive ways to respond to stress”

  • 9 ETA students won the San Mateo Police Activities League College Scholarship (2024)

  • 8 ETA Students won a Hillsdale College Scholarship (2023)

Indicators of success for ETA students

  • Increased Food Security

  • Students gained an employment history

  • Increased parent/guardian support for the student’s education and employment

  • Improved academic performance

  • Students developed trusted relationships with adults who support their personal and academic goals and behavior

  • Emotional Support that reduced shame, facilitated repair for wrongdoing and increased accountability

What do our students like about Empowerment Through Action?

“Whenever I’m having a bad day I know I can count on my group leader to help me through it.” ETA Senior

“Feeling supported and to know I am not alone.” - ETA Junior

“...helped me reach my goals...it taught me to open up and show more confidence” - ETA Junior

“now I am more confident …and ask for help when I need it because that’s something important I have to do” - ETA Senior