In addition to the academics, the Challenge Foundation is able to offer students access to extracurricular activities which engage them and broaden their horizons. Phylisha is involved in rock climbing, art and the salsa dancing club at Colorado Academy. She is grateful for the opportunities that the Challenge Foundation has opened up before her and also enjoys being with other kids in the same situation to show “how smart and talented we all are.”

For incoming students, Phylisha has a piece of advice to pass along: even though the Challenge Foundation summer academic program may not be how you want to spend your summer, in a classroom preparing for the year ahead, “It helps you keep up your grades and it makes sure you are pre-pared for the next year. Power through it and meet new people. Make sure you make the best of it while you are there.”

Of course, the perks of the Challenge Foundation more than make up for all the hard work. One of the highlights of Phylisha’s experience in the Challenge Foundation was her recent trip to Peru. She traveled to an orphanage with a group of students to help the staff and bring donations from home. In addition, the group assisted an organization that provided kids with a place to study and do their homework as many of the local children do not have electricity in their homes.

Phylisha learned about different local industries and witnessed local ceremonies. She also took in such sites as Machu Picchu and the salt mine at Maras. Phylisha says that the trip was, in a word, “phenomenal.”

The Challenge Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose primary goal is to help low-income students attend college who would otherwise be unable. This is done by providing a variety of support services including a scholarship to a college preparatory middle school and high school, case management, mentoring, tutoring, and an academic and enrichment based summer program.