OUR IMPACT
Impact at a Glance
100%
of MERIT Seniors accepted to 4-year universities
$10.4
million dollars
of academic scholarships earned by MERIT seniors
269
Average SAT growth
College Success
MERIT Alumni graduate from our program and from Baltimore City public schools with the skills and support they need to succeed in college and beyond. During their time in MERIT, scholars build identity as future college graduates and build a community of supportive peers and mentors. MERIT Alumni graduate from 4-year institutions at a rate nearly double that of other BCPSS alumni, and far above the national black and hispanic student average. ​​As MERIT's Alumni community continues to grow in scale and connection, we expect this outstanding graduation rate to continue to climb in the coming years.
Journey to Health Careers
82%
of MERIT Alumni are pursuing health careers
MERIT was founded to address the health disparities that primarily affect black and brown communities, particularly in Baltimore. By the time they graduate our program, MERIT Alumni have shadowed health professionals, completed internships in labs and community health settings, and taken classes on health sciences. These students view themselves as change agents and future health professionals who will advance equity. Of the MERIT Alumni who have graduated college, 57% are working in health careers or are enrolled in health professional graduate schools.
Alumni Spotlight: Julius
After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship. major, gpa, most outstanding research intern at SHPEP, induction quote. After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship. After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship. After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship. After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship. After graduating as part of MERIT's class of 2017, Julius enrolled at Brown University on a full-ride scholarship.
College Admissions Success
For seven consecutive years, 100% of MERIT Seniors have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities. MERIT's class of 2019 collectively earned over $10 million in academic scholarships and 289 total college acceptances. MERIT Scholars are attending a diverse set of top-tier universities, specialized programs, and best-fit colleges aligned to their interests. MERIT's advisory model and curriculum supports scholars in preparing their application materials months ahead of their peers and has optimized admissions success.
MERIT Grads are Attending:
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Dramatic SAT Growth
Scholars’ SAT score growth demonstrates the transformational impact that MERIT has had on scholars. When the Class of 2020 took their diagnostic SAT assessment as 11th graders, their average score was 945 points out of 1600, significantly below the “college-ready” benchmark according to the College Board. Through their hard work and the support of MERIT’s intensive SAT preparation, scholars increased their scores by an average of 269 points this year. MERIT's class of 2020 averaged 1214 points, far exceeding the “college-ready” benchmark and allowing scholars to compete for spots at the most selective schools in the country.
269
Average Points of SAT Growth
Scholar Spotlight: Antionette
During MERIT’s intensive SAT preparation course, Antionette excelled due to her diligence and determination. Antionette grew her SAT score by 340 points, growing from her initial score of 960 to her final score of 1300. While managing advanced high school coursework as well as numerous MERIT commitments, Antionette lead a volunteer initiative called “Beats Per Minute,” teaching weekly dance classes at a local middle school and even earned a $1500 grant for her project.
Program Growth and Success
Over the past eight years, MERIT has grown from a small volunteer group to a successful, innovative nonprofit organization. As MERIT grows, we are casting a wider net to impact more young people and build a coalition of supporters and advocates working to increase diversity in health care and improve the health of underserved communities.
Number of Scholars Served
