&

2013-14 ANNUAL REPORT

Theyve never needed us more.

State of the School

Looking to the Future

The Children We Serve

Academic Achievement

Educating the Whole Child

10

College and Career Readiness

12

Success After MHS

14

Supplementary Charts

16

State of the School

It is a pleasure to present this annual report of
student success at Milton Hershey School. As you
page through this report, you will see the remarkable
accomplishments of our students who strive to
achieve beyond expectation.
MHS prepares students to find their passion
whether that leads to college or straight into the
world of work. The goal is to put them on a path to
a productive, healthy and happy life that allows
them to break the cycle of poverty. With access to
top-notch academics, the nurturing support of our
home life program, character and leadership
development,

extensive

health

and

wellness

curriculum, and assistance beyond graduation,

our students are heading into the world ready to
overcome any challenge.
It is clear that our student-focused programs
are having a positive impact at all levels, as our
students continue to attain exceptional results
on standardized tests and success in their
postsecondary schooling.
Beyond all the test scores and success matrices, the
factor that impresses me most about our students
is their kind and serving hearts. MHS students are
making a difference because we have instilled in
them the importance of giving back. Although this
service cannot be quantified, I can assure you that
our students have spent thousands of hours working
in the community and on our campus. Their efforts
during the 2014 Cancer Care Community Walk
raised more than $122,000 and demonstrated the
support that the MHS family extends to those who
are facing adversity. It truly is an organization like
no other, and I am so proud to call it my alma mater,
my Hershey home since the age of five and the
amazing institution I am now honored and humbled
to lead as president.
Sincerely,

Peter G. Gurt 85
President

A Top-Notch Education

Regardless of our role, we all have the

ability to be the one person in the life
of a student who makes the biggest
difference who inspires them to
dream, to achieve, to serve others, to
be compassionate, to leave a legacy.
President Gurt
2014 Opening of School Assembly

TOP 5
SCHOOLS
ATTENDED BY

CLASS OF 2013
SHIPPENSBURG
UNIVERSITY OF PA

PENN COLLEGE

OF TECHNOLOGY

TEMPLE
UNIVERSITY
PITTSBURGH

TECHNICAL

INSTITUTE
KUTZTOWN
UNIVERSITY OF PA

Postsecondary
Choices
The Class of 2014 was the
largest
in

our

graduating
Schools

class
history

with 210 seniors. Of those

graduates, 77 percent (162
graduates) pursued a form of
postsecondary education.

62% Four-Year College

6% Community College
7% Trade/Technical School
2% Other (Art School, Military Academy, Etc.)
18% Workforce
5% Military

Looking to the Future

New Temple University
Program Brings College
to MHS Campus
Milton Hershey School is always looking for
innovative ways to invest in the success of our
students. A new program starting in the spring of
2015 will allow academically advanced seniors to
take an entire semester of college courses without
leaving the MHS campus.

15 SENIORS
WILL COMPLETE

A SEMESTER
OF COLLEGE

BEFORE FINISHING

HIGH SCHOOL

Fifteen students who have excelled academically and

in their extracurricular activities have been chosen
to participate in the program which partners MHS
with Temple University Harrisburg. They will take
on a full 15-credit course load, which will include
math, English, U.S. society and psychology classes.

College
Readiness

The classes will be taught by Temple professors on

the MHS campus. Students will experience the
responsibility and workload of college while still in
high school.
Partnerships like this are an important priority
for President Gurt, a 1989 graduate of the Fox
School of Business at Temple. As MHS works to
increase its already extensive support of young
alumni, college-readiness programs will help recent
graduates as they transition to life in college.
The School is exploring more ways it can partner
with

outside

organizations

to

benefit

MHS

students. Creative programs like this help prepare

students for success beyond high school.

The Children We Serve

Milton Hershey School empowers students from
families of low income to succeed in school and

Geography

in life. We currently serve nearly 2,000 students

16%
ENROLLMENT

APPLICATIONS

28% Students from

Dauphin, Lebanon or
Lancaster counties (535)

from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. In

order to serve as many eligible students as
possible, enrollment at the School has increased
by almost 50 percent over the past decade.1 And

50% Students from

other PA counties (966)

we are still growing.

22% Students from

other U.S. states (424)

Most students come from Pennsylvania, but 22

percent come from other U.S. states. We provide
a variety of support services to students and their
families to minimize homesickness and maximize

90.2%

RETENTION

RATE

family communication and involvement.

The Schools retention rates are excellent and

Gender

comparable to those of traditional boarding

schools. Our 2013-14 retention rate was 90.2
percent, the highest since 1997-98. It tops the 10-

49% Male (935)

year and 40-year averages of 87.3 percent and 87.6

percent respectively.2

51% Female (990)

All of our students come from low-income

households. The average family income for
students enrolled in 2013-14 was $14,655, 38%
under the 2014 Federal Poverty Level Guideline of

$23,850 for a family of four.

My mom, two brothers and I

were living together. As a single
mother it was a struggle for her
to provide for all of us. I knew
I wasnt excelling in school,
and I needed more support and
motivation in my life.

Tatiana
12th grade

1
2

See Peak Enrollment Statistics supplementary chart on p. 16.

See Student Retention Rates supplementary chart on p. 16.

Ethnicity
44% White
31% Black
10% Hispanic
2% Asian
<1% Native American
13% Other

MHS EARNED THE

HEALTHY SCHOOLS PROGRAM

BRONZE
AWARD
FROM THE ALLIANCE

FOR A HEALTHIER

GENERATION

TAUGHT ME
IITCOULD
DO
ANYTHING

I PUT MY MIND TO.

Julissa, 12 th grade
After running the annual

Hershey Half Marathon

Keeping Our Students Healthy

MHS educates students about the importance of

Students learn about nutrition, exercise, proper

healthy lifestyles and provides them with access

hydration, adequate rest and limiting their

to important health and personal care services.

leisure screen time through formal instruction,

We provide medical, dental, psychological,

behavioral and social work services for our
students. Licensed social workers serve as

behavior modeling and fun activities aimed at

keeping them active and engaged with their own
health.

coordinators of Student Health Services for

Because they are more informed and empowered,

all students within the Elementary, Middle

the health and wellness of our students has

and Senior Divisions, and connect them with a

improved.3

variety of available health services.

See Student Physical Health supplementary chart on p. 16.

Academic Achievement
Statistically,

economically-

opportunities including Advanced Placement

challenged backgrounds do not score favorably

children

from

and college-level courses, cooperative education

on standardized tests, but students at MHS

programs, and internships.

have risen above that trend. In all subject areas,

MHS students outscored the statewide averages
and significantly exceeded the scores of other
socioeconomically-challenged children.

2,595

COMPUTERS

FOR STUDENT USE

HIGH SCHOOL
JUNIORS AND SENIORS

LEARN IN A

1:1

COMPUTING

ENVIRONMENT

In our ongoing effort to ensure our students

are ready for life after graduation, MHS has
integrated more technology into the curriculum
to engage students, expand their learning

For our advanced students, we have improved

and teach 21st-century skills necessary for

and expanded enrichment and career-readiness

postgraduate success.

STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

Percentage of students scoring proficient or above on the PSSA (grades 3-8) and Keystone (high school level) exams.

PSSA Math
MHS 2009-10

74%

MHS 2009-10

77%

MHS 2010-11

80%

MHS 2010-11

79%

MHS 2011-12

78%

MHS 2011-12

84%

MHS 2012-13

85%

MHS 2012-13

84%

MHS 2013-14

88%

MHS 2013-14

86%

PA All Testers 2013-14

73%

PA All Testers 2013-14

69%

PA Economically Disadvantaged (ED)

58%

PA ED 2013-14

53%

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90 100

PSSA Science

20

30

70

80

90 100

66%

MHS 2009-10

87%

MHS 2010-11

61%

MHS 2010-11

90%

MHS 2011-12

73%

MHS 2011-12

94%

MHS 2012-13

71%

MHS 2012-13

90%

MHS 2013-14

80%

MHS 2013-14

89%

PA All Testers 2013-14

70%

PA All Testers 2013-14

68%

PA ED 2013-14

53%

PA ED 2013-14

52%

65%

40
40%

50

60

70

24%

100

80
74%

90 100
75%

0
41%

10

20
24%

30
100

60

60

50

50

50

40

40

40

30

30

30

10
0

PA ED

20

(Spring 2014)

(Spring 2014)

PA ED

(Spring 2014)

PA All Testers

MHS 2013-14

MHS 2012-13

60

(Spring 2014)

70

PA All Testers

70

70

MHS 2013-14

80

MHS 2012-13

80

80

Keystone Algebra I Keystone Biology

20
10
0

40

50

60

83%

95%

70

80

52%

90 100
35%

(Spring 2014)

30

PA ED

65%

20

(Spring 2014)

10

90

60

MHS 2009-10

90

10

50

PSSA Writing

90

20

40

PA All Testers

100

10

MHS 2013-14

MHS 2012-13

PSSA Reading

Keystone Literature
9

Educating the Whole Child

Consistent with the broader mission of Milton
Hershey School, we provide for the educational,
social, physical, emotional and spiritual growth
of

our students. This includes traditional

academic learning and character and leadership

development.

STUDY HOURS
EVERY STUDENT

STUDIES FOR

AT LEAST

These skills support our children in becoming

productive members of society and help them
develop the grit and determination needed to
succeed.

ONE HOUR

Students who demonstrate an understanding

IN THE STUDENT HOME

Spirit, Commitment to Mission and Mutual

EACH SCHOOL NIGHT

of the MHS Sacred Values of Integrity, Positive

Respect are recognized and rewarded.
Going forward, MHS will formalize a leadership
and character curriculum to ensure these skills
are both taught in the student homes and woven
throughout the MHS experience.

Character/Behavior

Percentage of students who consistently followed our code of conduct:

10

68%

69%

72%

73%

74%

77%

80%

81%

IM JUSTSO
THANKFUL

THAT I WAS

CHOSEN
MHS 2013-14

MHS 2012-13

MHS 2011-12

MHS 2010-11

MHS 2009-10

MHS 2008-09

MHS 2007-08

TO BE PART OF THIS

MHS 2006-07

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

AWESOME

SCHOOL.
Patricia, 6th grade

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

SACRED
VALUES
INTEGRITY

POSITIVE

SPIRIT
COMMITMENT
TO MISSION

MUTUAL
RESPECT

A Brighter Future
Begins Here
73%

85%

2013-14

2012-13

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

2004-05

72%

79%

62%

round for students who choose to stay on campus

a significant skill-building activity scheduled

during summer and/or holiday breaks:

72%

71%

2011-12

67%

2010-11

70
58%
during summer and/or holiday breaks. In 2014,60
more than 85 percent of students participated50
in at least one activity during break that was40
designed to address their academic, social,
30
emotional and physical needs.
20
10
Percentage of students who participated in u 0

68%

2009-10

Milton Hershey School offers experiences year-

2008-09

Year-Round Experiences100
90
Participation
80

11

College and Career Readiness

Milton Hershey School prepares high school
students for their next stage of life through
career training and college-readiness programs,
the Transitional Living program, scholarships,

100%
OF GRADUATING

SENIORS
EARNED

AT LEASTONE

and mentoring.
During their senior year, students have access
to hands-on learning in the workplace through
our extensive internship and part-time work
programs.

Students

gain

valuable

work

experience through a vast network of partner

organizations including The Hershey Company,
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Penn State

INDUSTRY

Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and other local

IN EACH OF

Partnership programs like Moving Forward

CERTIFICATION

THE LAST
THREEYEARS

businesses.

Together at Elizabethtown College and Gear Up at

Lebanon Valley College help our students prepare
for the rigor of college life. Rising seniors also
experience a weeklong transition program that
assists them with the college application and
financial aid processes.

Transitional Living

The 210 students in the Class of 2014 spent their

senior year in the Transitional Living programa
dormitory-style living environment that provides
an opportunity for students to practice life skills
necessary for independence after MHS.
Students develop skills in time management,
budgeting, conflict resolution, cooking, nutrition
and exercise that prepare them for the transition

12

to college or a full-time job.

I didnt know what I wanted to do, but I got into an engineering

class and found my passion. I feel conf ident about going to college
with the skills and knowledge I have because most high schools
dont offer this type of program.

Alexis

Class of 2014

HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENTS
CAN EARN

ONE OR MORE OF

46

STATE OR NATIONAL

CERTIFICATIONS

Achievement
Beyond Expectations
Career/Technical
Education
100
Students are introduced to the Career/Technical

92.0% 93.0%

98.3% 98.8% 99.0% 99.4% 99.6%

Education (CTE) program in 4th grade and are able90

to explore 11 career options.4 Once students reach

80
71.0%
down to four, which provides them with an in-70 61.0%
depth experience in a variety of concentrations60
before choosing one pathway for the remainder50
of their MHS career.
40
30
Percentage of students in grades 10-12 u
20
who successfully completed state or
national certification or competency 10
exams in their respective CTE areas:
0

See Career/Technical Education Pathways list on p. 16.

2013-14

2012-13

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

9th grade, they narrow their areas of interest

13

Success After MHS

College and Career counselors begin working
with students in 9th grade and continue providing
support up to five years after they graduate from
MHS.

STUDENTS
CAN EARN

$80,000

IN COLLEGE
SCHOLARSHIP

FUNDING

The Continuing Education Scholarship provides

financial assistance to eligible MHS graduates
pursuing full-time study toward one accredited,
classroom-based undergraduate program that
leads to a diploma, certificate or degree from a
U.S. institution.
MHS has collaborated with more than 70 colleges
and universities in its Alliance Schools program
to give MHS graduates access to dedicated and
supportive staff members at each alliance school.

88%

84%

81%

81%

77%

87%

66%

50%

Economically Disadvantaged

Percentage of graduating seniors who began their freshman

year of postsecondary education in the fall of 2014:

National Average

POSTGRAD90
SUPPORT80
OFFERED70
TO ALUMNI60
50
40
30
20
10
0
14

Postsecondary Success

MHS 8-yr. Average (2005-2012)

100
5 YEARS

students.

Class of 2014 (162/210)

SERVICE

average rates for economically disadvantaged

Class of 2013 (151/186)

MILITARY

or trade schoolfar greater than the national

Class of 2012 (155/192)

PURSUE

their education at a two- or four-year college

Class of 2011 (149/178)

CHOSE TO

In 2014, 77 percent of MHS graduates continued

Class of 2010 (144/163)

10 SENIORS

7,359

ALUMNI
IMPACTING

THEIR

COMMUNITIES

IN ALL
50 STATES

Excellent Education,
Exceptional Life
Alumni Summer
Housing
Milton Hershey School maintains strong100
connections with its young alumni and
is committed to tracking their progress.
Summer housing services are available
to alumni who need a safe place to live
during their college years. During the
summer of 2014, 40 young graduates
utilized our housing services.

90
80
70
60
50

38

40

40

Number of students who utilized

MHS housing services:

10

Summer 2014

20

Summer 2013

30

It feels good that their

eyes are opened. They
say, Wow, Garry did
this and he came from
where I came from. So,
why cant I?
Garry Gilliam 09
Tackle, Seattle Seahawks

15

Supplementary Charts
Peak Enrollment Statistics
1,925

1,866 1,891
1,831 1,848 1,838

1,395

89.1%

87.2% 88.3% 86.4%

84.2%

86.1%

89.5%

90.2%

70

1,278

61%

59%

65%

65%

66%

64%

Spring 2010

Spring 2011

Spring 2012

Spring 2013

Spring 2014

PA State Average

2013-14

2012-13

2011-12

2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

2004-05

2013-14

2012-13

2011-12

50
2010-11

2009-10

2008-09

2007-08

2006-07

2005-06

60

Percentage of students measuring in the healthy Body

Mass Index (BMI) range:

16

84.3%

87.7%

80

1,509

Student Physical Health

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

100
90

1,703

2004-05

2000
1900
1800
1700
1600
1500
1400
1300
1200
1100
1000

Student Retention Rates

Career/Technical
Education Pathways
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Automotive Technology
Business/Financial Management and Accounting
Computer Technology
Construction/Carpentry
Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management Services
Electronic Media and Journalism
Engineering and Design
Graphic Communication Technologies
Health Science
Law, Public Safety and Security

Weve never needed them more.

Giving back is an action that needs to come from

within, and without expecting something in return. I
am always trying to do the right thing. None of us are
perfect. However, we must never lose the drive to want
to become better people in our daily lives.
Oscar
Class of 2015

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

MISSION
IN KEEPING WITH
MR. AND MRS. HERSHEYS

DEED OF TRUST

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

NURTURES AND EDUCATES

CHILDREN IN SOCIAL
AND FINANCIAL NEED
TO LEAD FULFILLING
AND PRODUCTIVE LIVES.

Milton Hershey School is one of the worlds best private schools,

offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children
in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of
lower income at no charge. Learn more at:

mhskids.org

Milton Hershey School admits boys and girls of any race, color, religion, nationality
and ethnic origin to all of the programs and activities made available to students of the school.

12/2014

ld

Go
&
n
w
Bro

e
t
a
pd

MHS Students Continue to Show Exceptional Growth

We are very proud of the academic
persistence of our students, and their
excellent scores on statewide tests are
evidence of their commitment to success.
Students come to Milton Hershey School
with varying aptitudes and competencies.
Our employees strive to help them grow
in their achievement and understanding.
Thanks to the diligence of our students,
our dedicated teachers and the support
of houseparents, students are making
remarkable progress.
Recently released data places MHS in the
top 1 percent of districts in Pennsylvania

for student growth in literature and biology

and the top 9 percent for growth in algebra,
as measured through the Keystone Exams
which evaluate high school level learning.
We also ranked in the top 3 percent for growth
in reading and the top 13 percent for growth
in math in Pennsylvania districts among
students in grades 4-8.
These impressive growth statistics show the
advancement of our students learning, and
we should be very proud of our results. Our
priority is to ensure that every student has
the opportunity to meet and exceed his or her
academic goals.

mhskids.org

Here is what members of the Class of 1998* are doing 15 years after graduation.
38% have earned a
bachelors
degree

24% have earned a

masters
degree

79% are
working
full time

7% have earned a
professional
degree

14% are
working
part time

17% are in school

law, medicine,
dentistry, etc.

full or part time

*2013-14 Annual Student Life Report Card survey respondents.

mhskids.org