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An initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called Succeed in School, is helping youth ages 11 to 18 improve their academic, spiritual, and social skills. The after-school program operates in nearly 30 countries and serves about 30,000 students across Africa, Latin America, the Pacific, and the Southwest Area of the United States.
Succeed in School provides weekly classes held in church buildings where volunteer teachers offer instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, exam preparation, and life skills. The program supplements regular school education but does not replace it. Oversight comes from Area Presidencies and local Church leaders, with coordination by Seminaries and Institutes of Religion employees.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “Succeed in School has a great curriculum where youth improve in secular learning, but there is also a spiritual element combined with it, which is why it succeeds. We are seeing in many places that students’ scores on national exams have really soared. We’re helping youth succeed in the schools where they are.”
Elder Clark G. Gilbert, Commissioner of Church Education added: “With Succeed in School, we’re signaling to … the youth of the Church: ‘Education matters. We care about you, and we care about learning.’”
Local Seminaries and Institutes leaders operate the program while stake and district leaders determine which resources fit their areas best. Volunteer teachers conduct lessons one to four days per week based on global educational standards.
The program aims to help students remain enrolled in school and prepare for higher education or vocational training opportunities such as BYU–Pathway Worldwide or other employment options.
Recently highlighted at the Africa West Area Strengthening Families Conference, Succeed in School participants have reported improved academic skills and exam pass rates along with spiritual growth; seminary enrollment increased by 62%.
Jacob Omae from Papua New Guinea shared his experience: “Succeed in School helped me find confidence, taught me how to read, do math, and become a leader.” Mercy Oduro credited her participation for improving her technology skills: “One of the most important things it did for me was improve my skills in information and communication technology, which sparked my interest in the tech field. Because of that I was able to pursue and earn a diploma in software engineering. I’m so thankful for the opportunities this program gave me and how it shaped my future.”
Caleb from the U.S. Southwest Area said that participating helped him develop a growth mindset as well as succeed academically and socially.
Alexis Ahouayito from Benin prepared for missionary service through study habits learned during Succeed in School. His mentor Bishop Darmande Legbanon noted improvements among apprentices who attended: some now read French better and perform mathematical calculations more easily.
More information about Succeed in School can be found on its official site (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/si/institute/succeed-in-school?lang=eng) or through related articles such as “Hope and Help Through Education,” published August 2025 on Liahona (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2025/08/02-hope-and-help-through-education?lang=eng).
