Students & Schools

Our Students

Wishbone targets low-income students attending high schools in high-need communities. We use the degree of free or reduced-priced school lunches as a measure of community need. We focus on those students who demonstrate the most compelling needs.

Our Application Process

We have high expectations of our students. We require that all participating students commit themselves to excellence throughout their program application and attendance process. Meet some of our most successful students.

All students should:

• Demonstrate a clear and independent passion
• Select a relevant and inspiring out-of-school program
• Complete their application thoughtfully and on time
• Write compelling application essays and have a superb teacher recommendation
• Have no record of behavioral problems or disciplinary action
• Will comply with all rules and maintain perfect attendance during program matriculation

Before applying to Wishbone, all students must verify with their sponsor teacher that they are a clear fit for the program based on the program’s requirements. All students must also ensure that their requested program meets Wishbone’s program guidelines.

Want to Apply?
Are you a student in New York City or the San Francisco Bay Area? Start here to find a program or search on your own.

Our Sponsor Teacher Requirements

All Wishbone students must be sponsored by one of their teachers. Teachers assist students in the Wishbone application and program selection process, providing support throughout the program experience.

Wishbone actively works with sponsor teachers and provides them with a comprehensive curriculum in supporting students. Wishbone provides teachers with supplemental learning opportunities for their students outside of the classroom experience.

Are you a teacher with a student who you think belongs on Wishbone?
Start here to help your student find a program or help your student search. Questions? Email us at: info@wishbone.org.

Our Schools

Wishbone’s goal is to help our partner schools tap into an ecosystem that is wholly independent of any of their school’s particular structures or circumstances.

Wishbone extends the concept of high school to be an all year, all day event, occurring within different areas within a given community. We relieve the pressures on a seven-hour school day by extending learning opportunities for the summer and after school.

Wishbone injects the school day with students who are experts in something. Our Wishbone school participants build a community of leadership within their school with no particular strain on the school.

Wishbone students’ confidence and self-empowerment is viral. After completing their out-of-school experiences, students return to their school environments and urge other students to explore.

Want to get your school involved?
Identify students who want to participate and help them find a program here. Questions? Email us at info@wishbone.org.

Top

Out-of-School Programs

Wishbone works with program providers to deliver transformational impact to our students. We currently support local program opportunities throughout our New York City and Bay Area regions. Wishbone is committed to serving low-income high school students by working with our program providers to offer discounted tuitions and negotiated scholarship opportunities for all qualified students.

Wishbone’s Recommended Programs have been highly vetted by Wishbone and offer important scholarship opportunities for our students.

Discover our program database here.

Apply to become a program partner here.

All chosen programs must:

• Be affiliated with an accredited organization
• Be appropriate for high school students
• Accept applications for at least 60 days after initial student application to Wishbone
• Provide students with a close connection to staff and a support structure
• Create leadership opportunities for participating students
• Provide opportunities for diverse peer interaction
• Demand high expectations of their participants

We vet Wishbone students as a fit for a particular program before the student applies to this program. We source viable candidates for each program and match students with existing scholarship opportunities within the program.

Want to become a program partner?
Tell us more about your program here. Questions? Contact us at info@wishbone.org

Top

Our Regions

We have currently partnered with schools in two regions. More schools and regions are coming soon. Interested in launching Wishbone in your region? Contact us at info@wishbone.org

San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area is a region ripe for change in the education landscape. Last year alone, nearly 1 out of every 5 students in California’s projected class of 2010 dropped out. 94,000 teenagers did not graduate. Statewide statistics highlight the achievement gap among low-income students. Only 19% of California students attend afterschool programs, while only 27% participate in summer learning programs. The reason is lack of funding.

New York City

New York is a state that is incredibly aware of the value of out-of-school time. Parents are eager to advocate for their children’s participation, yet still are not able to access quality and affordable out-of-school time options. 46% of students are motivated to participate in an out-of-school program, if it were available to them.

Top

How We Fundraise

Wishbone aggregates financial aid from various sources to send students on path-changing program experiences. All donations are directed to our program providers, on behalf of each specified Wishbone student.

• We fundraise from program providers directly, negotiating scholarship opportunities, tuition reductions and application fee waivers for our students.
• We partner with foundations and corporations who have funds dedicated to student program experiences.
• We fundraise through our online platform, enabling direct-to-student giving via donors.

Top