This workshop discussed the national expansion planning and implementation of both Higher Achievement and Horizons National.

1. Going National! Best Practices for Organizational Growth and Expansion Presented by: Rachel Gwaltney Chief of Programs-Higher Achievement National Jose Oromi Deputy Director- Horizons National

2. Agenda Organizational History & Catalyst for Expansion Planning for Expansion Implementation and Lessons Learned Best Practices

4. Reorganized in 1999 as a results-driven program

5. Opened 3 more Centers in Washington, DC

6. Three-phase strategic plan to prepare for expansion

8. Formal evaluation by Dr. Edward Zigler from Yale showedHorizons made a significant and unique contribution to the lives of the children it served. Dr. Zigler urged the expansion of Horizons.

9. 1995 – program replication begins with a small grant for seed funding, and Horizons National was established.

11. Implementation and Lessons Learned Transformed structure into a national organization with local programs Chose to remain a single 501(c)3 Developed criteria for expansion cities Ranked potential cities against criteria Selected Baltimore for first new affiliate 18 months of due diligence Hired Executive Director May 2008 Opened two Centers June 2009

13. Nurturing the right local school partner for long-term success takes time and resources.

14. No Horizons program has ever closed.

15. New Horizons programs take 12-18 months of preparation.

16. Attracting national resourcesrequires strong evaluation, valid results, and participation in the national dialogue.