named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Bronx Academic Pipeline Initiative
Expanded partnership program with schools in the Bronx to increase access to rigorous coursework and specialized high school preparation in underserved communities.
Mentorship Program
Connects students with alumni of top NYC high schools and professionals in high-achieving career paths to provide guidance, role modeling, and academic support.
Parent and Family Information Workshops
Educates parents and guardians about the high school admissions process, SHSAT preparation timelines, and strategies to support their children’s academic development.
SHSAT Preparation Program
Comprehensive test prep for the Specialized High School Admissions Test, including practice tests, targeted instruction in ELA and math, and test-taking strategies. Designed to be affordable and culturally responsive.
activities · 3 groups
What they do
-
High School Placement Support 2 activities
- Academic support and information resources for high school selectionProduces annually updated resources including a curated list of 60 top public high schools in New York City based on academic performance and college readiness, historical SHSAT cutoff score tables, and preparation guides. Uses DOE high school directories and handbooks to inform student and family decision-making.
- SHSAT preparation and academic mentorship for underrepresented middle school studentsProvides 1–3 years of intensive academic training, test preparation, and mentorship for 6th and 7th graders from underrepresented backgrounds, focusing on the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) and related admissions requirements to support admission into top New York City public high schools. Offers summer and fall in-person and online boot camp programs, including proctored practice exams and score reports.
-
-
After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Distance learning and community outreach programsProvided distance learning support to 120 students across all five NYC boroughs in 2021 and conducted parent workshops for over 5,000 families, educators, and community leaders. Partnered with over 10 middle schools to support student applications to top high schools through the Early Start Program and SHSAT Boot Camps.
-
-
College Preparatory Secondary Education 1 activity
- SAT preparation program for middle and high school studentsOffers a 15-week SAT preparation program delivering 52 hours of instruction through weekly Sunday classes, including two full-length diagnostic exams and weekly practice assignments to reinforce content and build student confidence.
-
financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$158K
Contributions & grants$56K35%
Program service revenue$101K64%
Investment income——
Other revenue$2K
expenses
Total expenses$228K
Program expenses64%
Admin / overhead24%
Fundraising12%
Salaries & benefits$129K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$162K
Cash$248K
Investments$0
Liabilities$56K
Net assets$162K
Liquid reserves13.1 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +1.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAIESHA ABRAMS | President & CEO | 41 | $85K |
relationships · 20
Who they work with
- 195 Montague st, 14th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 Partner — Physical location for material drop-off and collection, though classes are virtual.
- Bard High School Early College Partner — All four campuses of Bard High School Early College are included in AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- Bronx Science Partner — Engages alumni from Bronx Science as mentors for students in preparation programs.
- Bronx Science Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- Brooklyn Latin School Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- Brooklyn Tech Partner — Engages alumni from Brooklyn Tech as mentors for students in preparation programs.
- Brooklyn Tech Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- Department of Education (DOE) Government — Relies on high school directories, handbooks, and college readiness data published by the DOE to inform its resources.
- Eleanor Roosevelt High School Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- NYC Department of Education Government — Uses official SHSAT resources and aligns preparation with DOE guidelines.
- Stuyvesant High School Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
- Stuyvesant High School Partner — Hosts in-person fall SHSAT preparation classes.
- Stuyvesant High School Partner — Works with students applying to and preparing for admission to Stuyvesant High School.
- Tai Abrams Partner — CEO of AdmissionSquad and lead instructor for the 2026 SHSAT Summer & Fall Boot Camp.
- Tai Abrams Partner — Founder and CEO of AdmissionSquad, leading the organization's mission and strategy.
- Tai Abrams Partner — Founder and lead educator of AdmissionSquad, providing strategic direction and instructional leadership.
- Taught by Tai Network — AdmissionSquad is described as a groundbreaking educational organization founded by Tai Abrams, who also leads Taught by Tai.
- Taught by Tai Network — Founder-led educational initiative under the same leadership as AdmissionSquad
- Taught by Tai Partner — Founder-led complementary organization providing educational and financial empowerment programming.
- Townsend Harris High School Partner — Featured on AdmissionSquad's list of top public high schools in NYC.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Culturally Responsive and Mentorship-Driven Supportmethodology: culturally_responsive_teaching, alumni_mentorship_modelBy combining culturally responsive teaching with mentorship from alumni of elite high schools, we make academic success feel attainable and increase engagement, because students are more likely to persist when instruction reflects their identity and mentors model relatable pathways to success.
- Early Intervention and Sustained Pipeline Developmentmethodology: early_pipeline_interventionBy identifying high-potential Black and Latino students early and providing long-term academic preparation and support, we close readiness gaps and increase admission to competitive high schools, because early and continuous intervention builds both content mastery and confidence over time.
- Equity-Focused Resource Allocationmethodology: equity-focused geographic investmentBy directing programs and outreach to communities with the greatest educational opportunity gaps—such as the Bronx—we increase access and close achievement disparities, because targeted investment in under-resourced geographies amplifies impact where systemic barriers are highest.
- High-Achievement Test Preparation Modelmethodology: affordable high-impact test preparation, intensive test preparation, test-preparation strategiesBy providing affordable, intensive, and individualized SHSAT and SAT preparation—including strategic timing guidance and test-taking techniques—we increase access and performance for working-class students, because structured, high-quality test prep closes the opportunity gap in high-stakes admissions exams.
- Holistic Student-Centered Ecosystemmethodology: holistic_student_supportBy integrating test preparation, culturally responsive instruction, mentorship, peer community, and data tracking, we support the full academic and personal development of students, because multifaceted support systems address both skill and identity development necessary for long-term college readiness.