Axis Impact Report 2024-2025 by privateschoolaxis

IMPACT REPORT

WE’RE CELEBRATING 5 YEARS!

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Because of you, our students now walk confidently onto campuses they once only dreamed about. Every success story in this report reflects your investment in their futures, and your belief in what is possible.

COLLETTE BOWERS ZINN

FOUNDER + EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Private School Axis partners with Los Angeles area independent schools to create pathways for underrepresented students and families of color to access, navigate, and thrive in private education.

OUR MISSION OUR PROGRAMS

1 STUDENT PLACEMENT

We guide, support, and represent students and families of color throughout the admissions process and for the duration of their independent school journey. We are there every step of the way to serve as advocates and partners as they navigate their new school communities.

2 EDUCATOR PLACEMENT

We help educators of color connect with our Partner Schools and find employment at a school that aligns with their educational phil h and professional interests We provide ongoing skill develo opportunities and support during the entirety of their time w Partner Schools.

3 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CERTIFICA

We offer a first-of-its-kind Social Responsibility Certificatio support our Partner Schools in assessing and strengthen social responsibility policies and practices We also provi professional development and consulting to support our Pa Schools in serving all students equitably.

HEAR FROM OUR FAMILIES

d our eyes to the fact that it’s not always about ial status, or even social status. Collette said, ‘You Your family’s the gift Your child is going to be the school.’ That settled our spirit.

—COHORT 4 PARENTS

YOUR IMPACT BY

of Cohort 4 Students Were Admitted to an Independent School 98%

60 Students and Their Families Served in Cohort 4

147 Students Served To Date Across Four Cohorts

57 Hours of Counseling and Support Per Family

Y THE NUMBERS

$1.2M+

Total Amount of Financial Aid Offered to Cohort 4 Families

$34K Average Cohort 4 Financial Aid Award

Volunteers Activated 95% of Axis Students Across Four Cohorts Were Admitted to an Independent School

103

IMPACT S

ZADIE’S STORY

“Zadie has loved her first year at her new school! In her first semester, she was cast in one of the lead roles in the lay and was one of two epted into the 6th and troop.

r, she performed in the ce concert and created er friends, “Bling Your also been an avid e Black Student Union.

Academically, she has developed a love for history, which has become her favorite subject. And she has gained so much more confidence in her math abilities thanks to her supportive teacher.

We are so grateful to Axis for helping us find a school for Zadie where she truly feels a sense of belonging.”

—Cohort 3 Parent

STORIES

SEKOU’S STORY

“Sekou has been doing very Academically, he’s excelling w continues to get glowing remarks every marking period.

Socially, he’s found a great friend helped the transition from being grade to being brave and confide tried out two new team sports thi in the annual school play, and ov heights on a class trip to Vancouv

The overnight school trips have given Sekou opportunities to challenge himself and become more independent. I’m grateful for what he’s learned about himself through these experiences, and the opportunity he’s had to develop deeper relationships with his classmates and teachers.

I am so proud of how he has stretched himself over the past two years, and I believe the small, close-knit community has helped him to thrive.”

Cohort 2 Parent

Axis Cohort 1 student Miles commits to University of Tennessee, becoming the first Axis student to commit to a four-year university.

In response to the reinstating of the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), Axis quickly pivots to offer free test preparation and on-site testing for our students.

THEYEAR

More than 50 vo at Axis’ Interview Event, helping A and families fee and empowered their authentic s admissions inter

INREVIEW

olunteers serve w Exposure Axis students l confident d to shine as selves in their rviews.

Watch Her Reaction!

Our Cohort 4 families receive their admissions decisions

g q y policies and practices.

AXISCOHOR

A major highlight of the year, Axis’ first-ever Cohort Cookout on September 7 board members, student interns, community partners, and sponsors for a day

RTCOOKOUT

7, 2024 brought together Axis families across all four cohorts, board and advisory of connection, community, and celebration of the new school year.

A LOOK AHEAD

As we look to the future, we are especially energized by three key programmatic goals on the horizon. Each initiative is designed to ensure our students have the support they need to thrive in our Partner Schools and beyond through peer tutoring, tuition support, and college counseling

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PEER TUTORING PROGRAM

Axis Scholars: Educate and Elevate is a peer tutoring program envisioned by Axis Student Interns that aims to empower BIPOC students by providing personalized oneon-one tutoring with a dedicated cohort of students fostering academic success and educational equity

AXIS FOR ACCESS FUND

The Axis for Access Fund helps alleviate the financial burden of independent school tuition for Axis families, ensuring they have the support they need to access quality education. This fund removes the financial barriers that might otherwise prevent Axis families from enrolling in our Partner Schools

COLLEGE COUNSELING INITIATIVE

Axis is establishing a College Counseling Initiative to empower our students to confidently navigate the college admissions process. Through one-on-one advising, application and essay support, and workshops on financial aid, scholarships, and school selection, this initiative will prepare Axis students to be college-ready and college-bound

5 YEAR CELEBRATION AXIS GLOW UP GALA

Axis is turning five! You’re invited to our 5 Year Celebration Glow Up Gala—and trust us, this is not your average gala!

This event is a vibrant evening of art, music, food, and community to celebrate the transformational impact of equity in education.

Join us for a night of connection, culture, purpose, and fun in celebration of our five year anniversary.

See Sponsor Packages

See Inside the Glow Up Gala

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

As Axis enters its fifth year, our 2024 fiscal year stands as a testament to what’s possible when a community is united by a shared belief in educational equity. At a time when access and opportunity remain central to the national conversation, our donors and partners have continued to champion students of color and for that, we are deeply grateful.

Thanks to this steadfast support, Axis raised $913,068.65 from a diverse range of sources in 2024, including major gifts, foundation grants, and generous school sponsorships. These contributions have been critical to sustaining and expanding our work To everyone who has invested in our mission, thank you Your belief in Axis is opening doors for students and families every day.

Our total expenses in 2024 were $1,112,906.41. True to our values, the majority of these funds were directed to programmatic efforts.

We remain committed to fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability, ensuring that every dollar spent is aligned with our mission.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible community whose generosity powered our mission throughout the 2024-2025 year. (Individual names are not listed to honor donor privacy )

FOUNDATION DONORS

The Smidt Foundation

CORPORATE DONORS + SPONSORS

GENEROUS DONORS

PARTNER SCHOOL SPONSORS

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

1 JOIN US AT THE GLOW UP GALA

Our 5 Year Celebration Glow Up Gala will bring together influential leaders, creatives, and changemakers for a night of connection, purpose, and fun. You won’t want to miss it!

Get the Details

2

VOLUNTEER

We offer many meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout the year that provide a chance to engage with our students and families and make a significant contribution to our mission

3 DONATE

Your financial investment allows us to provide hightouch, personalized counseling for our families, individualized support for educators, professional development and certification for our Partner Schools, and so much more.

Make a Donation