Axis Impact Report 2024-2025

IMPACT REPORT 2024-2025

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

OUR MISSION 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 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 philosophy and professional interests. We provide ongoing skill development opportunities and support during the entirety of their time within our Partner Schools.

3 SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY CERTIFICATION We offer a first-of-its-kind Social Responsibility Certification to support our Partner Schools in assessing and strengthening their social responsibility policies and practices. We also provide professional development and consulting to support our Partner Schools in serving all students equitably.

HEAR FROM OUR FAMILIES

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

—COHORT 4 PARENTS

YOUR IMPACT BY 98%

of Cohort 4 Students Were Admitted to an Independent School

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 95%

of Axis Students Across Four Cohorts Were Admitted to an Independent School

$1.2M+

Total Amount of Financial Aid Offered to Cohort 4 Families

$34K

Average Cohort 4 Financial Aid Award

103

Volunteers Activated

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 middle school play and was one of two 6th graders accepted into the 6th and 7th grade dance troop.

Second semester, she performed in the school-wide dance concert and created a class with her friends, “Bling Your Things.” She’s also been an avid participant in the 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 well this year.

Academically, he’s excelling with all A’s and continues to get glowing remarks from his teachers every marking period.

Socially, he’s found a great friend group, and that has helped the transition from being the new kid in 6th grade to being brave and confident in 7th grade. He tried out two new team sports this year, participated in the annual school play, and overcame his fear of heights on a class trip to Vancouver.

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

THE YEAR 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.

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

IN REVIEW

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— with a 98% acceptance rate —and ignite their communities to help Axis raise $40K+ in our spring fundraising campaign!

The Waverly School becomes the first Axis Partner School to complete our Social Responsibility Certification, working closely with Team Axis to conduct a comprehensive assessment and set goals to strengthen their equity policies and practices.

AXIS COHOR

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

RT COOKOUT

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.

WHERE EACH DOLLAR GOES 27¢ Admin

55¢ Programs + Services

18¢

Fundraising

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR

408 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.

Sign Up to Volunteer

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

TEAM AXIS

Collette Bowers Zinn

Kiki Bryant

Annika Ihnat

Chisa Lehane

Chuck Neddermeyer

Founder + Executive Director

Director of Operations

Director of Communications

Admissions Associate

Director of Programs + Admissions Associate

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kawanna Brown

Noah Francis

Chief Operating Officer, Magic Johnson Foundation

Executive Director + Banker, JP Morgan Private Bank Los Angeles

Dr. Donald E. Grant, Jr.

YC (Yangchen) Lama

Executive Director, Mindful Training Solutions

Managing Director, Morgan Stanley

Mai Lassiter

Cherie Matthews

Huey Merchant

Lalat Pattanaik

Board Member, Clara Lionel Foundation

VP of Global Talent Strategy & Development, Capital Group

Psychiatrist, Penny Lane Centers

Co-Founder & Managing Partner, PH Robb Legacy Alliance

Andrew Smith Lewis

Cari Soto

Samantha Vincent

Board of Governors, Cedars Sinai

Clarke Weatherspoon

Founder, ASL Industries

President, One Race Films

Head of School, The Waverly School

ADVISORY BOARD

Herran Bekele

Rasheda Carroll

News Producer & Communications Consultant

Assistant Head of School for Equity, Inclusion & Counseling, Westland School

Strategic Partner Lead, Google

Assistant Head of School for Community & Belonging, Harvard-Westlake School

Janine Jones

Geraldine B. Laybourne

Jason Lukose

Gray Lusk

John McMichael

Co-Founder, Day One Early Learning Community

Professional Development Consultant, Curriculum Associates

Founding Partner, SoLa Impact

Vice President & Banker, JP Morgan Private Bank Los Angeles

Jeremiah Erby

Emmanuel Midy

Aaron Mieszczanski

Deann Spell

Manager, Media & Entertainment Performance, Roku

Consultant, Education & Social Impact Practice, Spencer Stuart

Legal Strategist

Briana Thompson

Ekong Udoekwere

Founder, Spiked Wellness

Partner, TroyGould PC

PARTNER SCHOOLS

Private School Axis 4238 Sawtelle Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90066 privateschoolaxis.org info@privateschoolaxis.org

Bridging the gap between people of color and independent schools