Opening Doors to Opportunity. Building Leaders for Life.
Since 1967, A Better Chance of Andover has provided educational opportunities for academically talented students of color. Today, our 100% scholarship program offers young women a four-year residential experience while they attend Andover High School. Through academic support, mentorship, enrichment, and a close-knit community, Scholars gain the experiences, confidence, and connections to thrive in college and beyond.
OUR IMPACT
155
ABC ALUMNI
100%
COLLEGE MATRICULATION
60
YEARS OF OPPORTUNITY
The ABC of Andover Experience
More Than an Education. A Community of Support.
The ABC of Andover experience goes well beyond the classroom. Scholars live together in a supportive residential community while attending Andover High School, where they benefit from strong academics and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Through individualized academic guidance, mentorship, enrichment experiences, and lasting relationships, ABC helps each Scholar build the confidence, independence, and skills to succeed in college and beyond.
Individualized academic advising, tutoring, and college preparation help Scholars reach their full potential.
Academic Excellence
Enrichment & Exploration
Cultural experiences, summer programs, and extracurricular activities encourage Scholars to discover new interests and opportunities.
Mentorship & Connection
Meaningful relationships with host families, mentors, volunteers, and community members create a network of support that extends beyond graduation.
A home-like dormitory environment, supported by dedicated residential staff, provides a close-knit community where Scholars feel a sense of belonging.
A Home Away From Home
See what sets us apart.
Let our video show you.
In Her Own Words
Hear our most recent senior Mané, who matriculated to Northeastern, reflect on her journey and the role ABC of Andover has played in shaping her confidence, growth, and goals.
What’s Happening at ABC
Bricks of Belonging
For nearly six decades, A Better Chance of Andover has been a home: a place where high-achieving students of color from across the country live, learn, and grow into the leaders our world needs. More than 150 Scholars, alongside the mentors, host families, board members, and friends who shaped them, have passed through the walls of our historic residence.
Now we're inviting you to leave your mark on it. Literally.
We're creating a community-built patio at the ABC house, made from engraved bricks purchased by supporters like you. Each brick carries a name, a memory, or a message, together forming a permanent tribute to the people who have made ABC possible.
The patio will debut at our 60th Anniversary Celebration in Fall 2027.
The Dream Event
Our annual Dream Event brought together friends, alumni, and supporters for an inspiring evening celebrating our Scholars and their achievements.
ABC alumna Kijari Boyd ’22 shared how the relationships, opportunities, and sense of belonging she found at ABC shaped her confidence and continued to influence her life well beyond high school.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we surpassed last year's fundraising success, helping ensure future Scholars benefit from the same life-changing experiences.
Stronger Together
For nearly 60 years, A Better Chance of Andover has built meaningful connections between Scholars and the greater Andover community. While local families, volunteers, and mentors provide invaluable support, our Scholars enrich the community in return. Through their perspectives, talents, leadership, and involvement in school and community life, they broaden experiences, foster understanding, and create lasting relationships that benefit everyone.
We are deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation for their generous support of A Better Chance of Andover through their major grant program. Cummings Foundation was started by Joyce and Bill Cummings, who power charities by donating the large majority of Cummings Properties' commercial property to the Foundation.
Learn more about Cummings Foundation by clicking logo above
Find Your Place Here
100% scholarship. A high-performing public school. A community that supports your success. Learn more about applying.
Apply for Admission
Your time makes opportunity possible. Whether you can help occasionally or more regularly, there are meaningful ways to support our Scholars and our community.
Volunteer
“For any young person, ABC of Andover is really, really the place to find a wonderful array of experiences. There will be people there that will love and nurture you.”
— Anita, ABC Graduate
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