Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.

In the heart of the Bronx, where access to enrichment programs can be a rare privilege, Olga Baez and her team at Strive Higher are bridging gaps with programs that blend academic support, cultural exposure, and community connection. With a focus on reaching students from low-income backgrounds, Strive Higher is carving out unique opportunities that challenge the conventional educational narrative, offering students experiences that foster both academic and personal growth.

A Tradition That Inspires College Dreams

One of Strive Higher’s hallmark events has become an annual tradition: a Halloween celebration at Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus. This event serves as more than just a festive gathering; it’s an introduction to higher education for Bronx families, many of whom have never set foot on a college campus despite living nearby. “We wanted kids to become familiar with a college campus in a fun, approachable setting,” Baez explains. “One of my favorite memories was overhearing a second-year participant tell her mom she wanted to attend Fordham University. That’s the impact we’re striving for.”

Now entering its fourth year, the event continues to grow, with over 150 children attending this year. Through moments like these, Strive Higher is not only providing safe and joyful experiences but also planting seeds for academic aspirations that extend far beyond the Halloween season.

Reaching Those Who Need It Most

Strive Higher is grounded in a commitment to accessibility, focusing on neighborhoods and schools where educational resources are scarce. “Our services are offered in low-income neighborhoods where the majority of families earn less than $50,000,” says Baez. In the Bronx, a borough facing high poverty rates and limited educational programs, Strive Higher’s approach meets an urgent need by making sure these programs are accessible to those who would otherwise go without.

Demystifying Education Equity

Educational inequity often stems from an assumption that all students within a neighborhood or district share access to the same resources—a misconception that Baez encounters frequently. “People think that just because a public school offers a great program, like Girls Who Code, all neighborhood kids can participate. But that’s often not the case,” she explains. Many students, depending on which public school they attend, lack access to enriching programs. To address this, Strive Higher opens its events to any Bronx student, aiming to level the playing field one program at a time. With hopes to expand citywide, Baez envisions a future where opportunities aren’t bound by zip codes or school zones.

Sparking a Love for Literacy

One of Strive Higher’s most impactful initiatives is its Virtual Reading Buddy Program, launched in 2020. This program pairs Bronx children in kindergarten through third grade with college student mentors for weekly reading sessions via video calls. The feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with reports of improved reading levels, grades, and engagement with books. Baez shares a particularly touching story of one family’s experience: “A mother told me her daughter’s reading buddy introduced her to the Harry Potter series, and she continued reading the books over the summer with her dad. Now, she’s participating in her school’s 100 Books challenge.”

Beyond academic improvement, the program offers a chance for students to build lasting relationships with mentors, who often remain connected even after the program ends. “Having access to someone who serves as a mentor at a young age can have a profound, lasting impact,” Baez says. Research shows that reading proficiency is closely tied to academic success, making this initiative a vital component of Strive Higher’s mission.

Broadening Horizons with Cultural Experiences

In partnership with Situation Project, Strive Higher recently brought students to see Blue Man Group in New York City—a milestone event for many participants. Baez, who grew up in a low-income household, shares that her own family couldn’t afford cultural outings. “One of our goals is to expose students to experiences they may not have access to otherwise,” she says. For some of the children in attendance, like two participants in foster care, the opportunity was particularly meaningful. “Their foster mother doesn’t have the capacity to take them to a show in the city, so this was a very special experience for them,” Baez recalls. The students were captivated by the technology and artistry of the performance, an experience that may inspire creative exploration and curiosity.

Supporting the Mission: How You Can Help

Through its innovative programs and steadfast commitment to educational equity, Strive Higher is helping Bronx students unlock their potential and envision a future filled with opportunity. As Baez and her team continue to work tirelessly, they offer a reminder of the power of mentorship, cultural access, and the belief that every child deserves a fair shot at success. For more information on supporting Strive Higher or learning about upcoming events, visit their website or follow them on social media.

Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3.