Jacobs Ladder Inc.

“Part I, Line 1Typically Jacobs Ladder provides up to five week enrichment programs in the summer for intellectually gifted children identified as being in at risk environments. The program focuses on 4th to 8th graders and the objective is to complete a 5 year cycle of mentoring, coaching and followup to work towards making a college education and higher career aspirations goals of each climber. To enhance the transition to college, Jacobs Ladder, Inc. added several years ago High School Advocacy (HSA)guidance to bolster the efforts of the counselors typically working on high school staff at high schools. This is an attempt to ensure a successful path to college. Jacobs Climber candidates are identified by leaders of gifted programs in Virginia schools. With the cooperation and permission of parents, staff meets with a candidate and begins the process of identifying whether the student has the desire to participate in the enrichment programs and confirming that the profile of the candidate otherwise would meet the qualifications for the program.”

“Part III, Line 4a Program Service Accomplishments The core of Jacobs Ladder, Inc.s program is an annual summer enrichment program, held in 2024 at St. Margarets School in Tappahannock, VA. There are other parts of the enrichment program that include field trips, planned group gatherings, and a retreat, which are held throughout the year at different venues. In 2024, 14 college students were hired as Resident Advisors. These individuals are required to complete multiple safety certification trainings and plan/direct the daily afternoon activities after the Climbers morning classes. Students attend 18 hours of academic enrichment classes per week, taught by experienced teachers. These enrichment classes cover many topics, including mathematics, percussion, guitar playing, multiple art and science classes, nutrition, geography, and mindfulness. Senior Climbers participated in a 5-day leadership camping trip and hike along Skyline Drive before the start of the summer enrichment camp with the whole group of Climbers. Within the program, Climbers who have moved on to careers return to spend time with the Climbers at camp to emphasize the impact the Jacobs Ladder program has had upon their success and share their stories. Oftentimes, graduated Climbers return to work as summer staff in an RA position or a director position. In 2024, Jacobs Ladder, Inc. continued to fund a High School Advocacy program to track the progress of Climbers as they navigate high school and prepare for the next step beyond graduation. This is helping with the success of the Climbers as they transition to higher education and keep that close bond between the Climbers and Jacobs Ladder. The Middle School Advocate made support visits to each of the middle school Climbers on our roster in the 2023/2024 academic year, and the High School Advocate supported Climbers in grades 9-12 to follow up and monitor student progress. Executive Director Ms. Catherine Coggeshall continued to improve the various programs and executes team improved and enhanced the long-term strategy with an eye toward continued financial health for the organization. Jacobs Ladder served 43 Climbers in the summer program.”

“Form 990 is provided as a nonattest part of an audit engagement and is reviewed by Board members and Executive Director before submission.”

“Copies are available to the public upon request, but generally are found on Guidestar on the web.”