In 1974, Guilford ABC became one of A Better Chance’s earliest public school programs. A Better Chance (ABC), founded in 1963, is a national program that refers academically talented students from underserved communities to elite private and public schools.
Guilford ABC enables six young women to receive a quality public high school education and college preparation while living together in a program-owned residence, with an in-house director and support staff. The all-volunteer Board ensures that each scholar has access to the resources needed to successfully complete the program, including an academic advisor, student life advisor and host family.
The program relies on the town of Guilford and Guilford High School as integral partners in supporting our scholars. Guilford ABC receives no state or national funding, from either the government or the national office of A Better Chance — instead, we rely entirely on the generosity of local donors and supporters. A significant source of that support comes from the Hole in the Wall, Guilford’s oldest and only non-profit consignment and resale shop, whose profits directly benefit the program. Individual donations remain essential to sustaining this work and ensuring every scholar has what she needs to succeed.
Guilford ABC has helped to level the educational playing field for over 75 young women who have completed the program and gone on to graduate from four-year colleges across the country. Many of our alumnae have built fulfilling careers and become leaders in their own communities, carrying forward the impact of the program far beyond Guilford.
Guilford ABC owns its two-story house on Church Street and is the heart of the program. We are continually grateful to our community supporters and to our donors, both of whom help us keep the house running smoothly. Recent maintenance and improvements to the Guilford ABC house include: renovated bathroom, and updated furniture for the overnight tutor/guest room.
Guilford ABC 