The program extends the reach of Hackley's educational resources to deliver high standards, a comprehensive advising system, and a team of passionate teachers and mentors to provide the Scholars with academic instruction and the development of character, leadership and social/emotional skills.
By preventing summer learning loss, inspiring creativity and passion for learning, instilling confidence, and fostering positive relationships, the Hudson Scholars program seeks to provide the Scholars with a transformational experience.
This comprehensive program, taking place during summers and the school year, helps the Hudson Scholars gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in middle school, thus preparing them to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
The Hudson Scholar Program also strives to greater fulfill Hackley’s own mission, as it seeks to strengthen ties between Hackley and the local Westchester community. In doing so, the program provides the opportunity for the Hackley community to learn from students with varying perspectives and backgrounds while also creating a learning environment for enriching mentorship, growth, and leadership.
The Program
Hudson Scholars begins by recruiting fifth grade students and their families from the Washington Irving school community who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Upon review of student applications, the program invites approximately 15 students to join the new cohort and begin their journey as Hudson Scholars.
Summer: The summer enrichment consists of a full school day with engaging and challenging classes in English, math, science, social studies, drama, art, computer science, and physical education. The program emphasizes leadership skills while promoting values such as hard work, integrity, empathy, resilience, and community through a thoughtfully-designed character education curriculum. Special events, including field trips, a family day, an introduction to college day, parent gathering and support, an overnight campout, and more, further expand the summer experience.
School Year Programming: During the school year, the program offers ongoing academic support through weekly tutoring sessions and monthly Saturday activities that sustain and strengthen the relationships and sense of community.
Program Growth: Hackley’s Hudson Scholars program added a fourth cohort in the summer of 2020 with support from the EE Ford Foundation, bringing the program to full capacity! Read more about EE Ford Foundation’s contribution at
https://www.eeford.org/featured-projects/hackley-school.