Admissions

If you are seeking a multi-year enrichment program that will challenge your student to excel academically, explore their interests, and step into their leadership, then Heads Up is the program for your family.


The Heads Up program provides tuition-free programming to first-generation, under-resourced students of color enrolled in the Oakland Unified School District. Admissions to the Heads Up program open in the Fall each year, and all current fifth and sixth grade students are welcome to apply.

Are you eligible for Heads Up? 

You must be able to respond yes to all of these:

  • Current 5th grade student

  • Attends an Oakland Unified School District public or charter school

  • First-generation college-going student of color

  • Family income meets the Heads Up Guidelines (see below)

Income Guidelines

If the number of people in your household is…

Your family’s combined ANNUAL income must be less than this:

2

$89,750

3

$100,950

4

$112,150

5

$121,150

6

$130,100

7

$139,100

8

$148,050

Program Details 

Dates: June 15, 2025 – July 10, 2026

Time: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Format: Monday through Friday

 

Are you a good fit? 

  • Are you curious? Do you enjoy learning new things and exploring opportunities inside and outside the classroom?
  • Are you collaborative? Do you like working with others, building friendships, and being part of a supportive community?
  • Are you committed? Can you see yourself showing up for a three-year journey of summer programming and monthly Saturday Leadership Academy sessions?
  • Are you courageous? Are you willing to try new experiences, take on leadership roles, and push yourself in new ways?

If you answered yes to these questions, we want to hear from you!
 

The application and supplemental materials are due by January 20, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The next step after submitting your application is an interview with a member of the Heads Up team. The Heads Up team will notify students selected for an interview via email, and admission decisions will be released in March 2026. Please get in touch with us at headsup@headroyce.org with any questions or concerns.