Alexander Hamilton Scholars
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO BUILD TOMORROW'S LEADERS AND CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP, AS INSPIRED BY ALEXANDER HAMILTON'S LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE. THE ORGANIZATION EMPOWERS HIGH-ACHIEVING, UNDERSERVED STUDENTS TO SUCCEED IN COLLEGE AND CAREER.
- Income
- $602,361
- Spending
- $579,217
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 5.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 3
- Volunteers
- 103
- Highest pay
- $116,200, executive di
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 80 out of 100.
Reserves
20 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 5.8 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 6% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 8% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 9 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 91 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 258 of 8 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
6 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (5)
- $23,196 spent. IN THIS FIRST YEAR, WE EFFECTIVELY INTRODUCE AN EXTENSIVE AND RICH NETWORK OF SUPPORT AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE, DESIGNED TO HELP SCHOLARS FORM A CLEAR PLAN FOR SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, AND ENSURE THAT THEY ENROLL IN AND ULTIMATELY GRADUATE FROM, A COLLEGE COMMENSURATE TO THEIR GOALS, ABILITIES, AND INTERESTS. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROFESSIONALS HOST SESSIONS FOCUSED ON THE COLLEGE SEARCH, THE COLLEGE ESSAY, AND THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS, ALONG WITH FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES AND PROCEDURES. THIS CURRICULUM HELPS SCHOLARS MAKE DELIBERATE AND EMPOWERED DECISIONS REGARDING COLLEGE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 500 HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP, WHICH IS INTENDED TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE BURDEN OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS, APPLICATION FEES, AND OTHER COLLEGE ACCESS EXPENSES. SCHOLARS ARE ALSO MATCHED WITH INDIVIDUAL PEER AND ADULT MENTORSHIP TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS. IN ADDITION TO ASSISTANCE WITH COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, THE COLLEGE READINESS CURRICULUM ALSO FOCUSES ON VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES. THOSE VALUES DIRECT THE CREATION OF EACH SCHOLARS' PERSONAL VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS, FUNCTIONING AS GUIDES FOR GOAL SETTING AND MAKING TOUGH CHOICES ABOUT PERSONAL LIFE, COLLEGE, AND CAREER. SCHOLARS LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND BUILD THEIR FOUNDATIONS AS A LEADER OF CHARACTER. IN THIS FIRST YEAR, WE EFFECTIVELY INTRODUCE AN EXTENSIVE AND RICH NETWORK OF SUPPORT AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE, DESIGNED TO HELP SCHOLARS FORM A CLEAR PLAN FOR SENIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, AND ENSURE THAT THEY ENROLL IN AND ULTIMATELY GRADUATE FROM, A COLLEGE COMMENSURATE TO THEIR GOALS, ABILITIES, AND INTERESTS. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROFESSIONALS HOST SESSIONS FOCUSED ON THE COLLEGE SEARCH, THE COLLEGE ESSAY, AND THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS, ALONG WITH FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES AND PROCEDURES. THIS CURRICULUM HELPS SCHOLARS MAKE DELIBERATE AND EMPOWERED DECISIONS REGARDING COLLEGE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 500 HAMILTON SCHOLARSHIP, WHICH IS INTENDED TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE BURDEN OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMS, APPLICATION FEES, AND OTHER COLLEGE ACCESS EXPENSES. SCHOLARS ARE ALSO MATCHED WITH INDIVIDUAL PEER AND ADULT MENTORSHIP TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS. IN ADDITION TO ASSISTANCE WITH COLLEGE ADMISSIONS, THE COLLEGE READINESS CURRICULUM ALSO FOCUSES ON VALUES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES. THOSE VALUES DIRECT THE CREATION OF EACH SCHOLARS' PERSONAL VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS, FUNCTIONING AS GUIDES FOR GOAL SETTING AND MAKING TOUGH CHOICES ABOUT PERSONAL LIFE, COLLEGE, AND CAREER. SCHOLARS LEARN MORE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND BUILD THEIR FOUNDATIONS AS A LEADER OF CHARACTER.
- $29,671 spent. IN YEAR 2, THROUGHOUT FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE, AHS SUPPORTS SCHOLARS WITH A CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC TOOLS AND HABITS OF MIND THAT WILL HELP MAXIMIZE COLLEGE SUCCESS, IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING SOME OF THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES THAT COME WITH ENTERING COLLEGE. THE TECHNICAL SKILLS WE TEACH INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS OF CAMPUS RESOURCES, FINANCIAL AID, BUDGETING, DAY PLANNING, AND TIME MANAGEMENT. WE BELIEVE THAT EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT AND DEBT AVOIDANCE ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS. WE ALSO SPEND EXTENSIVE TIME DISCUSSING HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE VISION PORTFOLIO AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP) INTO DAILY LIFE, HOW TO BE PRESENT PURSUING AMBITIONS GOALS, AND HOW TO ACCESS RESOURCES THAT WILL SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. DRAWING ON THE NETWORK OF SCHOLARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED FRESHMAN YEAR AS A SOURCE OF SUPPORT AND INSIGHT, AHS PROVIDES THE CONNECTION, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT NEEDED TO THRIVE DURING THIS IMPORTANT TRANSITION TO COLLEGE. IN YEAR 2, THROUGHOUT FRESHMAN YEAR OF COLLEGE, AHS SUPPORTS SCHOLARS WITH A CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC TOOLS AND HABITS OF MIND THAT WILL HELP MAXIMIZE COLLEGE SUCCESS, IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING SOME OF THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES THAT COME WITH ENTERING COLLEGE. THE TECHNICAL SKILLS WE TEACH INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS OF CAMPUS RESOURCES, FINANCIAL AID, BUDGETING, DAY PLANNING, AND TIME MANAGEMENT. WE BELIEVE THAT EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT AND DEBT AVOIDANCE ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS. WE ALSO SPEND EXTENSIVE TIME DISCUSSING HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT THE VISION PORTFOLIO AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (PDP) INTO DAILY LIFE, HOW TO BE PRESENT PURSUING AMBITIONS GOALS, AND HOW TO ACCESS RESOURCES THAT WILL SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS. DRAWING ON THE NETWORK OF SCHOLARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED FRESHMAN YEAR AS A SOURCE OF SUPPORT AND INSIGHT, AHS PROVIDES THE CONNECTION, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT NEEDED TO THRIVE DURING THIS IMPORTANT TRANSITION TO COLLEGE.
- $26,984 spent. THE THIRD-YEAR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE CURRICULUM CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE, AND ALSO BEGINS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT BIG TRANSITION: COLLEGE TO CAREER. CONFERENCE CALLS AND EXERCISES ARE DESIGNED AROUND DEVELOPING PRACTICAL SKILLS IN AREAS INCLUDING RESUME BUILDING, INTERVIEWING, NETWORKING, AND USE OF THE EMPOWERMENT TOOLKIT (VISION PORTFOLIO, PDP, AND THE ELEMENT) AS A GUIDE TO INTERNSHIP AND CAREER EXPLORATION. THESE SKILLS ASSIST SCHOLARS WITH FINDING VALUABLE INTERNSHIPS THAT ARE MEANINGFUL AND RELEVANT TO THEIR PDP, AND LAND JOBS DURING COLLEGE AND POST-GRADUATION. WE HELP SCHOLARS DEVELOP THESE SKILLS THROUGH ONE-ON-ONE RESUME REVIEWS, MOCK INTERVIEWS, AND INFORMATIVE CONFERENCE REVIEW SESSIONS. THE CURRICULUM INSTILLS PRACTICAL SKILLS AND VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS, WHILE SPENDING TIME CONTEMPLATING MORE THAN JUST WHAT SCHOLARS WANT TO DO FOR A LIVING. WE ASK THEM TO CONSIDER WHAT THEY CAN DO TO IMPACT THE WORLD AND MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE, AND TO PONDER THE QUESTION OF HOW THEY CAN USE THEIR OWN EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS TO BE OF GREATER SERVICE. THE THIRD-YEAR LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE CURRICULUM CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE, AND ALSO BEGINS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT BIG TRANSITION: COLLEGE TO CAREER. CONFERENCE CALLS AND EXERCISES ARE DESIGNED AROUND DEVELOPING PRACTICAL SKILLS IN AREAS INCLUDING RESUME BUILDING, INTERVIEWING, NETWORKING, AND USE OF THE EMPOWERMENT TOOLKIT (VISION PORTFOLIO, PDP, AND THE ELEMENT) AS A GUIDE TO INTERNSHIP AND CAREER EXPLORATION. THESE SKILLS ASSIST SCHOLARS WITH FINDING VALUABLE INTERNSHIPS THAT ARE MEANINGFUL AND RELEVANT TO THEIR PDP, AND LAND JOBS DURING COLLEGE AND POST-GRADUATION. WE HELP SCHOLARS DEVELOP THESE SKILLS THROUGH ONE-ON-ONE RESUME REVIEWS, MOCK INTERVIEWS, AND INFORMATIVE CONFERENCE REVIEW SESSIONS. THE CURRICULUM INSTILLS PRACTICAL SKILLS AND VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS, WHILE SPENDING TIME CONTEMPLATING MORE THAN JUST WHAT SCHOLARS WANT TO DO FOR A LIVING. WE ASK THEM TO CONSIDER WHAT THEY CAN DO TO IMPACT THE WORLD AND MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE, AND TO PONDER THE QUESTION OF HOW THEY CAN USE THEIR OWN EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS TO BE OF GREATER SERVICE.
- $411,962 spent. EXPENSES: 0 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: YEAR 4&5. THE CAREER READINESS AND CAREER TRANSITION CURRICULUM BECOMES MUCH MORE INDIVIDUALIZED, DESIGNED TO MEET EACH SCHOLAR WHERE THEY ARE AT IN THEIR SPECIFIC COLLEGE AND CAREER PATH. CONFERENCE CALLS FOCUS ON PREPARING FOR POST UNDERGRADUATE LIFE, LIKE GRADUATE SCHOOL, NEGOTIATING A COMPENSATION PACKAGE, CREATING A PERSONAL BRAND, AND PROCESSING CURRENT EVENTS WITH HISTORICAL CONTEXT. THROUGH OUR VAST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WE ARE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THESE FINAL TWO YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, PROVIDING SCHOLARS WITH CAREER EXPOSURE AND HELPING THEM BUILD A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK AND LEVERAGE SOCIAL CAPITAL. EXPENSES: 0 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: INDEPENDENT INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP. THIS SIGNIFICANT COMPONENT OF OUR PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO ALL HAMILTON SCHOLARS. WE OFFER A SUMMER INTERNSHIP IN OUR OFFICE AND HAVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH VARIOUS COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT GIVE OUR SCHOLARS PRIORITY. WITH THE SKILLS, TOOLS, AND GUIDANCE WE PROVIDE, SCHOLARS ARE EMPOWERED TO FIND AND STRIVE FOR OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF OUR OFFERINGS AS WELL. MANY CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE UNPAID OR UNDERFUNDED. OUR INDEPENDENT INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES FUNDING TO MAKE THESE EXPERIENCES POSSIBLE FOR OUR SCHOLARS. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO EXPAND THIS PROGRAM THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND DIRECT FUNDING. EXPENSES: 376,463 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: GENERAL PROGRAMS HELPS THE SUPPORT OF THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY YOUNG AMERICANS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, AND PASSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. THROUGHOUT THIS PROGRAM, WE BELIEVE THAT WE CAN HELP THEM REACH THEIR HIGHEST PERSONAL AND CAREER GOALS. EXPENSES: 35,499 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: APPLICATION AND AWARDS. TO RECOGNIZE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THEIR ACADEMIC, PERSONAL, SERVICE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND TO SELECT STUDENTS FOR THE HAMILTON LEADERS ACADEMY. THIS RECOGNITION IS IN THE FORM OF A CASH SCHOLARSHIP, AWARD CERTIFICATES, BIO-SKETCHES OF WINNERS APPEAR ON THE AHS WEBSITE AND NEWS RELEASES ARE SENT TO CITY, STATE, AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AS WELL AS LOCAL NEWSPAPERS.
- EXPENSES: 0 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: YEAR 4&5. THE CAREER READINESS AND CAREER TRANSITION CURRICULUM BECOMES MUCH MORE INDIVIDUALIZED, DESIGNED TO MEET EACH SCHOLAR WHERE THEY ARE AT IN THEIR SPECIFIC COLLEGE AND CAREER PATH. CONFERENCE CALLS FOCUS ON PREPARING FOR POST UNDERGRADUATE LIFE, LIKE GRADUATE SCHOOL, NEGOTIATING A COMPENSATION PACKAGE, CREATING A PERSONAL BRAND, AND PROCESSING CURRENT EVENTS WITH HISTORICAL CONTEXT. THROUGH OUR VAST PROFESSIONAL NETWORK AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM, WE ARE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THESE FINAL TWO YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, PROVIDING SCHOLARS WITH CAREER EXPOSURE AND HELPING THEM BUILD A PROFESSIONAL NETWORK AND LEVERAGE SOCIAL CAPITAL. EXPENSES: 0 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: INDEPENDENT INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP. THIS SIGNIFICANT COMPONENT OF OUR PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO ALL HAMILTON SCHOLARS. WE OFFER A SUMMER INTERNSHIP IN OUR OFFICE AND HAVE PARTNERSHIPS WITH VARIOUS COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT GIVE OUR SCHOLARS PRIORITY. WITH THE SKILLS, TOOLS, AND GUIDANCE WE PROVIDE, SCHOLARS ARE EMPOWERED TO FIND AND STRIVE FOR OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE OF OUR OFFERINGS AS WELL. MANY CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE UNPAID OR UNDERFUNDED. OUR INDEPENDENT INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDES FUNDING TO MAKE THESE EXPERIENCES POSSIBLE FOR OUR SCHOLARS. WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO EXPAND THIS PROGRAM THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS AND DIRECT FUNDING. EXPENSES: 376,463 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: GENERAL PROGRAMS HELPS THE SUPPORT OF THE ONGOING EFFORTS TO IDENTIFY YOUNG AMERICANS FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, AND PASSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. THROUGHOUT THIS PROGRAM, WE BELIEVE THAT WE CAN HELP THEM REACH THEIR HIGHEST PERSONAL AND CAREER GOALS. EXPENSES: 35,499 INCLUDING GRANTS OF: 0 REVENUE: 0 DESCRIPTION: APPLICATION AND AWARDS. TO RECOGNIZE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THEIR ACADEMIC, PERSONAL, SERVICE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND TO SELECT STUDENTS FOR THE HAMILTON LEADERS ACADEMY. THIS RECOGNITION IS IN THE FORM OF A CASH SCHOLARSHIP, AWARD CERTIFICATES, BIO-SKETCHES OF WINNERS APPEAR ON THE AHS WEBSITE AND NEWS RELEASES ARE SENT TO CITY, STATE, AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AS WELL AS LOCAL NEWSPAPERS.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since November 2004.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
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