The Impact of (MS)2
Mission
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027, (MS)2 is Andover’s longest-running educational outreach program. The initiative provides academic and personal enrichment to nurture the competencies and self-confidence of academically talented and motivated high school students interested in careers in math- and science-related fields.
Key Features
- Highly Competitive Academic and College Exploration Program: A five-week, three-summer residential program with a 13% acceptance rate for rising 10th–12th graders, combining rigorous coursework in math, science, writing, and college counseling with leadership development and community building.
- Inclusive and Culturally Responsive: Enhances the academic program with culturally sustaining pedagogies and experiences. Cultural Sharing, a 28-year-old community tradition recognizes scholars’ diverse identities through creative expression, fostering meaningful conversations about belonging.
- Alumni Network: A strong and supportive community of over 1,400 alumni worldwide, offering mentorship to scholars beyond the program.
Our Program
116
Students from
18
States and Washington, D.C.
61
Female
53
Male
2
Non-binary
36
Native American students representing
12
nations/tribes
56%
Of Scholars Will Be First-Generation College Students
7:1
Student to Teacher Ratio
79%
of faculty identify as people from underrepresented communities
2026 In Action: The 49th Summer
Engaging Alumni as Leaders | The Legacy of Success
Ten (MS)2 alumni returned to Andover Summer to give back to the program! These alumni filled essential programmatic roles, serving as (MS)2 administrative assistants, culture coordinators, residential assistants, and teaching staff—including teaching assistants and lead teachers in math, science, English, and college counseling.
Impact and Results
- 97% and 93% of scholars feel more confident in science and math, respectively
- 95% of scholars feel a sense of belonging at (MS)2
- 95% of scholars felt they became more independent this summer
- 99% of scholars would recommend (MS)2 to their friends back home
- 100% of scholars felt supported in meeting the academic challenges they faced
- 100% of 3rd year scholars felt (MS)2 counseling was impactful
- (MS)2’s immediate college enrollment rate of 92% exceeds the total national average of 66%. (source)
- (MS)2’s 6-year college completion rate is on par with the total national average of 60% and exceeds the national average of BIPOC students by as much as 20%. (source)
- Colleges and universities attended include:
Amherst College, Arizona State University, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Brown University, Bryant University, Bucknell University, Bunker Hill Community College, Christian Brothers University, Coconino Community College, College of the Holy Cross, Colorado College, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, DePaul University, Emory University, Florida A&M University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Franklin & Marshall College, George Washington University, Glendale Community College, Harold Washington College, Harvard University, Howard University, Macalester College, MIT, Merrimack College, Middlebury College, NYU-Shanghai, Northeastern University, Northern Arizona University, Oglethorpe University, Rice University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Southern Utah University, Stanford University, Tarrant County College, Texas Christian University, Trinity Washington University, Tufts University, University of Arizona, University of Chicago, University of Denver, University of Illinois at Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Louisville, University of Maryland, University of Memphis, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of New Mexico, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Florida, University of Southern California, University of Texas-Arlington, Utah State University, Vanderbilt University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Yale University
(MS)2 exposed me to so many great learning experiences. Not only academic experiences, but cultural experiences. It’s such an amazing opportunity that I would not have gotten anywhere else.
”
The first day I stepped on campus I was greeted by the most amazing faculty. That moment was when I knew I was in the right place. Plus, I got to meet other (MS)2 students and see their curiosity and passion for what interests them. That inspires me to continue working hard.
”
I would not imagine (MS)2 to be the same program without its emphasis on diversity—it gives different people the chance to realize their potential, and it’s especially made me realize mine.
”
Congratulations to the (MS)² Class of 2026!
Director of (MS)2
Eliot B. Sykes ’97, PhD, LCSW, MSW completed his fourth summer as director of (MS)2, guiding the program with steady leadership. With experience in education, socio-emotional health and well-being, and program evaluation and research, he continues to leverage his range of skills and talents to Andover. Looking ahead, Dr. Sykes is supporting the run up to (MS)2’s celebration of its 50th anniversary in summer 2027 while stewarding key initiatives honoring the history of the program and needs of current scholars to prepare them for healthy and successful futures.
Thank You
(MS)2 is funded through the generosity of individual donors and foundations. As a result, the program is free of charge for all selected students. Thank you!
