With some students choosing to commit to service around the nation and world, many also opt to make a difference here at home in New Orleans. Jesuit continues to uphold the rich tradition of Operation Upgrade, a program that has become a cornerstone of the school’s commitment to service in the local community.

“Some of this year’s participants saw 40- or 50-point improvements on the 300-point test over the course of the program,” said program director James Michalik, a longtime theology teacher at Jesuit. “The real difference our students and faculty make in participants’ lives can’t be boiled down to a number, but it’s motivating for all of us to see consistent and substantial results like these.”

Established in 1971, Operation Upgrade has consistently provided academically promising yet economically disadvantaged middle school students with the opportunity to enhance their skills in English, math, problem-solving/logic, and reading. Various electives are also included.

The long-running initiative provides Jesuit students the chance to give back to their own community, encapsulating the school’s mission to form men for others. Alongside Michalik, faculty members such as Jason Giaccone have played an important role in ensuring the program’s continuity and growth. National Advisory Board chairman Chick Schoen ’63 visited the camp this year to offer advice and motivation to the camp’s student leaders.

The program offers a vital, transformative experience that often results in significant and measurable academic improvement. With a three-to-one camper-to-staff ratio, the program ensures that each student receives the individual attention necessary to thrive.

Throughout the five-week program, participants engaged in a variety of academic activities, including reading circles and small group discussions, which have proven effective in boosting comprehension and communication skills. The results speak for themselves: many of the students saw marked improvements in their academic abilities, with some even surpassing the fundamental goals of the program.

The success of Operation Upgrade is not just measured by test scores but also by the long-term achievements of its participants. Over the years, graduates of the program have gone on to become valedictorians, professional athletes, community leaders, and even Operation Upgrade counselors themselves. This legacy of success underscores the lasting impact of the program on both the participants and the Jesuit students who volunteer their time.

Jesuit’s forms of Blue Jays into lifelong men for others, and that formation includes a series of opportunities to directly serve those in need. These opportunities extend outward from Mid-City to multiple continents around the globe. Collectively, Jesuit students perform over 30,000 hours of service every year.

Click here to read about other local, regional, and global service undertaken by Blue Jay students and alumni.