How we measure impact

By: Ricky Austin

I’m often asked (and rightly so) how we measure our impact at the Aim Higher Foundation. Usually, what I am really being asked is: ‘if I donate to you, how do I know I am making an impact?’

This is an important question, and I believe we have some compelling answers.

We can point to numbers. We can point to key performance indicators. But the best, and truest, answer is that we need not look any further than the children who receive our scholarships and go on to high school and beyond.

Each of these students once stood at the doorway of opportunity, unsure whether they’d be able to walk through. Each received an Aim Higher Foundation scholarship. And each has become living proof of what’s possible when that door was opened.

Our interns this summer have a particular focus on tracking and building connection with our alums and, as such, some of the alumni I’ve gotten to know best through my time here have been front of mind recently. And it is in their stories where the impact of our scholarships is most apparent.

Take Daniel:

A former scholarship recipient at Nativity of Mary in Bloomington who now works at JP Morgan Chase. Daniel is passionate about helping young people and supporting them through the same formative years he once experienced. He’s involved in our Development Committee and dreams of building a nonprofit that can help more young men build the skills to be successful in college and their careers.

Or Andrea:

Who received a scholarship to attend Shakopee Area Catholic School when her parents didn’t think they could afford it. Andrea spoke eloquently at a recent press conference about her journey, empowered by those who made her scholarship possible. “My journey, from a bullied child to a confident student, now college graduate, and future PwC professional has been made possible by my family, my schools, and most of all, the people who support the Aim Higher Foundation.”

And then there is Isaac:

A Community of Saints graduate and a current college student who spoke at last year’s Night of Light. Isaac started a nonprofit as a middle schooler that has affected thousands of homeless individuals in Saint Paul. When asked why he gives back, he said simply: “I want to make sure that other kids get what I got.”

What he “got” wasn’t just a scholarship. It was belonging. It was belief. It was a call to leadership.

When you hear these stories, it’s easy to see the impact that the Aim Higher Foundation has made possible. But I also hope it reminds you of something deeper: these stories are not the exception—they are the norm in Catholic schools. There are thousands of Daniels, Andreas, and Isaacs ready to be formed into the future leaders of tomorrow—children standing at that same doorway, hoping someone will help them through. Some—many—need the help of financial aid to make that dream come true.

Right now, Congress is debating the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which would dramatically expand opportunities for families seeking the kind of education that helped shape Isaac, Andrea, and Daniel. We’re tracking it closely. And we’re ready. If passed, ECCA would accelerate our ability to serve and make an impact on many more children.

But our mission doesn’t wait on legislation. It depends on people and the will of the community to give every child every opportunity we can.

Help us by staying involved in the Aim Higher Foundation, and let’s give them that chance.

With hope and pride,

Ricky Austin is the president of the Aim Higher Foundation.