Connecting Students,  
Empowering Futures
We recently began surveying our students  
to measure their sense of belonging and community 
connection. The results reflect what we see every day: 
connection happens through network and community. 
Research indicates that students who build strong  
ties with peers and trusted mentors often show  
gains in personal agency. By surrounding students 
with supportive networks, Heights strives to foster  
environments where young people can thrive.
Among high school students responding 
to our end-of-year surveys: 
Belonging: When asked about their sense of  
connection, the proportion of responding cohorted 
high school students who reported feeling a strong    
  sense of belonging increased from 58% at the  
    start of the school year to 92% by the end.
  
        Self-Efficacy: When asked about their  
          confidence and future, the proportion of 
           responding cohorted high school students   
            who reported feeling a strong sense of  
             personal agency and control over their  
              future rose from 58% to 85%.
Fostering Belonging and Connection 
When students feel anchored in a community, their ability  
to access opportunities and resources is unlocked. Overall,  
78% of surveyed students report a strong sense of belonging, 
agreeing that they “fit in and are part of the Heights community” 
(up from 56% before starting in their current Heights program). 
Among students responding to our surveys:
High School Cohorts: 92% of responding high school cohort students 
reported agreeing with the statement “I fit in and am a part of the 
Heights community” (up from 58% prior to program engagement).
Middle School Academy: 84% of summer academy middle school 
respondents reported agreeing with the statement “I fit in and  
am a part of the Heights community” (compared to 67% prior to 
summer programming).
Building Confidence and Personal Agency 
A strong network helps foster the confidence needed to navigate 
pivotal life transitions.
Among students responding to our surveys:
High School Agency: 85% of responding high school cohort students 
reported feeling control over their life and future (compared to  
58% prior to program engagement).
College Success Agency: 86% of responding college success cohort 
students reported feeling control over their life and long-term  
future (compared to 63% prior to program engagement).
Transition Confidence: 83% of rising 9th graders responding to  
our summer bridge survey reported feeling prepared to transition 
into high school (compared to 50% prior to summer bridge).
Expanding Mentorship and Network Support  
Connecting young people with dedicated adults and aligned peers 
provides a supportive framework for long-term achievement.
Among students responding to our surveys:
Trusted Adult Connections: When asked if they could identify an 
adult in their network to turn to for advice about long-term goals 
and post-secondary planning, 91% of responding high school  
cohort students and 94% of responding college success students 
answered affirmatively.
Peer Support System: When asked if they had peers they could lean 
on for support when planning for their future, 88% of responding 
high school cohort students and 84% of responding college  
success students answered affirmatively.
Career-Specific Connections: Among career program respondents, 
74% reported having an adult in their network to turn to for  
industry-specific career advice, while 64% reported having  
peers who shared similar career interests.
Youth Summit: Year 4
 
The Youth Summit continues to evolve, engaging  
powerful new partners, including the School  
District of Philadelphia and the Office of the  
Mayor. Held at the University of Pennsylvania in 
partnership with The Wharton School on April 22, 
the 2026 event served 187 students through  
11 interactive workshops — including sessions  
led by Lincoln Financial — alongside a vibrant 
opportunities fair connecting young people to 
various career pathways.
Impact Report 2025–2026  • 5

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