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About Heads Up
History
Heads Up was founded in 1996 by two Harvard College graduates, Darin McKeever and Vincent Pan. While in college, Darin and Vin volunteered with an after-school tutoring program through Harvard’s public service organization. Bringing their experience to Washington, D.C., the two created Heads Up to provide after-school and summer literacy programs enlisting college students to serve as tutors.
In 1996, Heads Up recruited 10 undergraduates to work with 30 elementary school students in one school. Last year, we recruited over 300 college students to work with more than 1,500 kids. Over the last four years, we have nearly tripled the number of participating students to become the largest, private, after-school and summer program in D.C. schools.
Heads Up has gained local and national attention for our innovative program and commitment to results. In 2001, Heads Up was selected as the first investment partner of Venture Philanthropy Partners, a local philanthropic organization that invests in high-potential nonprofits in the D.C. area. In 2003, we were recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as one of the top 20 charities in DC. In 2004, CharityWorks, a volunteer organization that raises money for local nonprofits, chose Heads Up as its sole beneficiary for the year.
