Stories

ABACUS: Creating a generational impact

Students participate in ABACUS-funded program

In 2015, Hamilton Community Foundation launched ABACUS, a commitment to increase the likelihood that young people facing multiple barriers will graduate high school and access post-secondary by focusing on the pivotal middle-school years and supporting the transition period into high school.

A decade later, we have learned a lot about what works to help students succeed and have committed to another 10 years of support. With this funding, HCF will reach a cohort of Hamilton students who were in kindergarten when the COVID pandemic began and see them through to graduation.

Last year, ABACUS program partners participated in an in-depth evaluation with external evaluators. Among its findings:

It also found that ABACUS programs were successful in meeting key objectives, including creating connection to a trusted adult, a sense of belonging and motivation to succeed academically. The next decade will build on the lessons learned to refine ABACUS.

“ABACUS has already changed students’ lives for the better,” says President & CEO Rudi Wallace. “With this continued commitment, we hope to make a generational impact.”

From Legacy Spring 2025 newsletter