Impact
A Better Chance is a transformative national non-profit dedicated to empowering talented young people of color to become future leaders. For over five decades, the A Better Chance of Andover program has been a catalyst for change, guiding over 150 scholars through Andover High School. The program's impact is undeniable, with an astounding 97% of these graduates going on to earn college diplomas. This remarkable success rate underscores the program's effectiveness in nurturing academic excellence and leadership potential, significantly contributing to a more diverse and inclusive American society
Our Program
A Better Chance of Andover is one of the Community School Programs within the national A Better Chance non-profit organization. The program provides academically talented young women of color an opportunity to grow, thrive, and become leaders. Accepted Scholars attend nationally accredited Andover High School and have access to its expansive college preparatory and leadership programs. The Scholars live in a dormitory setting on Main Street and are supported by academic advisors, college counselors, a host family, and a community of volunteers. To date, over 150 alumni have gone on to selective 4-year colleges.
The program includes study-hour supervision, academic tutoring, college preparation, and a wide range of enrichment activities and trips during the school year as well as summer academic and travel opportunities. Scholars are encouraged to fully immerse in the Andover High School experience by participating and leading in sports, community service, or one of the over 90 clubs or after-school activities available to them. Graduates continue on to selective 4-year colleges and become leaders in their communities, workplaces, faith groups, and throughout their lives.
ABC of Andover is affiliated with the A Better Chance national organization for recruitment and preparation of candidates but raises all funding on its own. We rely on the generosity of individual donors (72% of our funds) and institutions throughout the Merrimack Valley—dollars go exclusively to programming and operating costs.
The Andover community gains a tremendous benefit by having these young women in our lives and we are extremely fortunate to have the Andover community's generous support of our goal, to change young lives and ensure that these talented young scholars build leadership skills along their educational journey.
Our Scholars
(from left to right) Janay, Mané, Alexia, Mikayla, Arilady, Fatou, Lauren, Marie (RA), Sandra (RD)
Janay absorbs facts, especially from the Guinness World Records books, and likes a range of music, from K-Pop to the “older music” her Mom listens to. Janay was selected as a member of the National Honor Society and is in many clubs, including the Diversity Club, Fashion Design Club, Girls for Girls, and the Black Student Union. Janay has dreamed of studying law since she was ten and is also interested in creative arts. “I definitely have what I wanted — friends, classes that are interesting to me, and a challenge.”
Mané is from Harlem, NY, and spends her summers in Senegal with family. She enjoys the camaraderie of the ABC House, whether through activities on the weekends or simply hanging out together in the house. Since coming to Andover High School, Mané has joined the Diversity Club, Black Student Union, and Amigos Unidos. Mané likes math and finds Physical Science and History are her favorite classes so far. “It’s really about the teachers. They make you excited to learn. They make it fun and creative.”
Alexia is originally from Florida, so when she first arrived, she was able to experience snow for the first time. Alexia joined the Philosophy Club and the Financial Literacy Club, and has participated in indoor track team, competing in hurdles. Alexia loves how everything in Andover is within walking distance and enjoys meeting her friends at local places. She has had some fun times with her host family, including attending her host sister's equestrian competitions and going to the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker performance.
Fatou, from Yonkers, NY, is embracing new experiences. She has been involved in multiple clubs including Crochet! When asked about her favorite class so far, she said, “My favorite class is Foundation Studio (art) because it’s very fun and allows room for creativity. I never even thought I would enjoy art. It’s a new form of self-expression for me, and I like it.”
Arilady, from Brooklyn, NY, has quickly immersed herself in the Andover High School (AHS) community. She shares, “AHS has been very welcoming, and it’s definitely a place where you can make a lot of friends. I joined two clubs so far—Amigos Unidos and Student for Seniors— and that has helped me meet a lot of people.”
Mikayla, who joins us from Euclid, OH (outside Cleveland), is adjusting well at AHS and has been tackling challenges head-on. She shared, “The teachers have pushed me to speak up more, which is out of my comfort zone. So I made a goal for myself to participate or answer at least one question in each class.”
Lauren, who hails from Washington, DC, has found her passion in the classroom. She explains, “English Language Arts has been my favorite class because I really enjoy reading. It tugs on my creative side, and I genuinely enjoy it.”
Our Staff
Sandra, Resident Director
Sandra is an Assistant Chief Probation Officer for the Middlesex Juvenile Court where she draws upon 26 years of experience working in juvenile justice as well as her B.A. from Tufts University in child psychology. She is a native of the Merrimack Valley having grown up in Lawrence. She moved to Andover with her children for the school system.
Sandra focuses on collaboration, cooperation, and acceptance with an understanding that everyone can fail, saying that she likes to “help people stretch into opportunity.” As our Resident Director, she wants to offer the Scholars someone they can lean on as she works to create a home away from home.
Sandra is very appreciative of her parents’ focus on education. They are both immigrants from the Dominican Republic. Her father was the first pastor of the first Spanish-speaking church in the city of Lawrence. She was always singing growing up — so don’t be surprised if she bursts out in song.
Marie, Resident Assistant
Marie joined A Better Chance of Andover in August 2024, bringing over 20 years of administrative and managerial experience. Currently, she serves as the executive assistant to the Chief Enrollment Officer at Northeastern University.A Boston native, Marie graduated from Boston Latin School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston University, followed by a master’s in Administrative Studies from Eastern Nazarene College.
Marie is drawn to ABC Andover's mission to combat educational inequality by providing academic and leadership opportunities to young BIPOC students. As a passionate advocate for higher education, she is committed to helping others achieve their goals and empowering the next generation of leaders.
Berrie, Resident Assistant
Berrie joins A Better Chance of Andover as a Resident Assistant, bringing two years of experience as an RA at Indiana University. Originally from Indiana, she is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Medical Sciences at Boston University. With a strong background in residential life, mentoring, and student leadership, Berrie is deeply committed to ABC Andover's mission of fostering a supportive and structured environment where young women of color can thrive and excel on their path toward college.
In her free time, Berrie enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and exploring the outdoors through walks and hikes. Her dedication to empowering students and creating a nurturing community makes her a valuable addition to the ABC Andover team.
Board of Directors
Bonnie Zahorik, President
Julie Ireland Childs, Vice President
Kathleen Eldridge, Vice President
Andrew Gribbel, Treasurer
Nikelle King, Treasurer, Alumni Engagement
Allison Reilly, Vice President, Communications
Sandis Wright, Vice President, DEI & Belonging
Carla Byers
Emily Collins
Geno Concepción
Susan Connolly, President Emeritus
Lala Cronin
Katarina Curtin
Dianne Domenech-Burgos
Sheila Graham
Rodney Johnson
Lauren Jones
Leanne Parziale
Claire Stahley
Dr. Gloria Rosario Wallace
Delia Vallejo Welch