Admissions - Heads Up

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 or 6th grade student
Attends an Oakland Unified School District public or charter school
Approaching (2), proficient (3), and/or advanced (4) in all components of 6th grade report card
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 16, 2025 – July 11, 2025

Time: 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

Format: Monday through Friday

Are you a good fit?

Do you demonstrate academic promise, resiliency, and a commitment to growth?
Are you a strong leader who has compassion and empathy for your peers and community?
Do you have strong family support that will ensure you’re able to fully participate in our program for four years?

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

Apply Now

The application and supplemental materials are due by January 21, 2025. 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 2025. Please get in touch with us at headsup@headroyce.org with any questions or concerns.