History

Started in 1967 with a vote of support from Andover’s Town Meeting, the Andover A Better Chance program is the longest operating ABC community-school program in the country. The program started with 4 young men from rural and urban communities seeking a better education and opportunities. In the mid-1970s, the program began admitting young women and in 1986 became all-female. These students have set sports records and managed sports teams, performed community service, participated in extracurricular activities and started new ones, in addition to challenging themselves in the classroom.

In its 40 plus years of giving talented students a chance to excel, Andover ABC has graduated men and women who now are doctors, business leaders, lawyers, admissions and financial aid officers, accountants, teachers and professionals in a wide range of fields. When they visit Andover, they thank the program for making a difference in their lives.

Andover ABC graduates have been giving back in many different ways – Some have served as Resident Directors at other ABC programs, others served on the board of directors for ABC programs and other non-profit organizations. Above all, they show young people of color what one can achieve when given a better chance.