HIGHTS

What HIGHTS does

HIGHTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Cullowhee, North Carolina, founded in 2008 to serve underserved youth ages 13-25 across seven Western North Carolina counties (Jackson, Haywood, Macon, Swain, Graham, Clay, and Cherokee). Its mission is operationalized through three integrated service divisions: Restorative Justice Services (Inside Out, C.O.R.E., Compass, Mediation), Therapeutic Services (Animal-Assisted Interventions, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment, Trauma-Informed Therapy), and Education and Workforce Development (WIOA, Career Connect, Summer Career Academy, PATH). Core methodologies are evidence-based and human-delivered — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Animal-Assisted Interventions using Alliance of Therapy Dogs-certified teams, and restorative justice practices — with no disclosed AI/ML components.

Distribution is referral-driven: HIGHTS operates an online referral intake system and routes youth to programs via county school contracts, Department of Juvenile Justice referrals, Department of Social Services partnerships, and Western Carolina University clinical oversight. Services are delivered in person at schools, community program sites, justice centers, community gardens, outdoor adventure venues, and through mobile AAI teams, and include wraparound supports such as transportation, meals, and 24/7 on-call therapist availability for clinical clients. Between 2022-2023 HIGHTS served over 900 youth program-wide; 2024-2025 workforce outcomes included 75 internship placements, 52 postsecondary credentialing supports, and 16 permanent job placements.

Revenue is generated through government grants and contracts (WIOA, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, Western Seven Counties Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Appalachian Regional Commission) and tax-deductible individual and corporate donations (one-time via PayPal and monthly recurring). Services are provided free of charge to eligible youth. The organization employs 11-50 staff, is governed by a Board of Directors, and coordinates a partner network of more than 30 organizations including schools, sheriff offices, behavioral health agencies, two community colleges, faith-based partners, and outdoor recreation providers. HIGHTS also convenes the WNC Human Services Network, a regional infrastructure for human-services workforce development and behavioral health service coordination.

Name

HIGHTS

Legal name

HIGHTS, Inc.

Website

https://hights.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HIGHTS is a Cullowhee, NC-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 that delivers restorative justice, therapeutic, and workforce development services to underserved youth ages 13-25 across seven Western North Carolina counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Social Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGADAM

Youth Justice, At-Risk Youth & Violence Prevention Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGADAK

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGADAL

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGADAD

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

SECONDARYEDAAAOAD

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth)

Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Workforce Development Initiatives

SECONDARYHLAFACAL

Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services)

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Behavioral Health & Substance Use Treatment

Keywords

• Youth services
• Restorative justice programs
• Workforce development
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Animal-assisted interventions

Headquarters

HQ city

Cullowhee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: HIGHTS receives funding through government programs including WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) grants, Department of Juvenile Justice contracts, and Department of Social Services partnerships to deliver youth services across seven Western North Carolina counties.
2. Individual and Corporate Donations: HIGHTS is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations. Monthly recurring donations can be set up through the website, and one-time donations are processed via PayPal.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HIGHTS is a youth-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers restorative justice services, evidence-based counseling (including animal-assisted interventions and trauma-informed therapy), and education/workforce development programs to underserved youth aged 13-25 in seven Western North Carolina counties. Services are provided free of charge to participants through government grants and charitable donations, delivered via school-based, community-based, and mobile service models with case management and care coordination.

Product overview

HIGHTS is a youth-centered nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs for underserved youth in Western North Carolina. The organization operates three main service divisions: Restorative Justice Services (Inside Out, CORE, Compass, and Mediation), Therapeutic Services (Animal-Assisted Interventions, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment, and Trauma-Informed Therapy), and Education & Workforce Development (WIOA, Career Connect, Summer Career Academy, and PATH). These programs work collaboratively to provide wraparound services, with restorative justice programs diverting youth from the criminal justice system while therapeutic services address underlying trauma and mental health needs, and workforce programs providing education, job training, and career pathway support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Compass

Quantifiable outcome

• Served over 900 youth program-wide between 2022 and 2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Jackson County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district utilizing HIGHTS Inside Out crisis intervention program for students receiving out-of-school suspension. Jackson County Schools refers students to participate in community-based activities, emotional regulation skills, and behavioral health monitoring.
• Haywood County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district for Summer Career Academy providing paid summer internships and career exploration opportunities for Haywood County youth.
• Macon County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district utilizing HIGHTS Inside Out community crisis respite program for suspended students.
• Swain County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district for workforce development and education programs serving Swain County youth.
• Graham County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district for Career Connect program serving Cherokee, Graham, and Clay counties and the Qualla Boundary.
• Clay County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district for Career Connect program serving Cherokee, Clay, and Graham counties and the Qualla Boundary.
• Cherokee County Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school district for Career Connect program and WIOA services serving Cherokee County youth.
• Western Carolina UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPsychology and Social Work Departments provide mental health expertise and student leadership. Dr. Nathan Roth serves as licensed psychologist and associate professor overseeing animal-assisted intervention programs. Students participate in internships and learning opportunities.
• Southwestern Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner community college providing career coaching resources, college application support, and pathway connections for HIGHTS workforce development participants.
• Tri-County Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner community college collaborating on Bridge Academy program providing Adult High School Diploma pathways and college enrollment assistance.
• Department of Juvenile JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner providing court-ordered referrals to C.O.R.E. program for youth assigned community service from the juvenile justice system.
• NC Center for Safer SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partner providing support for school-based intervention programs and safer schools initiatives across partner districts.
• Department of Social ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty Department of Social Services partners including Jackson County DSS provide referrals and support for youth and families in the child welfare system.
• NC Works CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional workforce development partner providing employment resources, career services, and connections to the regional workforce system for youth participants.
• Hawthorn HeightscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal behavioral health agency providing mental health services and collaborative care coordination for HIGHTS participants.
• Jackson County Sheriff OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partner for juvenile justice diversion programs and community-based youth interventions in Jackson County.
• Haywood County Sheriff OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partner for juvenile justice diversion programs and community-based youth interventions in Haywood County.
• Macon County Sheriff OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaw enforcement partner for juvenile justice diversion programs and community-based youth interventions in Macon County.
• Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Juvenile JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTribal partner providing juvenile justice services and referrals for youth in Cherokee County and Qualla Boundary area.
• Pacesetters AdventuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdventure services provider supporting therapeutic adventure activities as part of Compass program and experiential learning experiences.
• VecinosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization providing support services and referrals for underserved populations in Western North Carolina.
• Big Brothers Big SistersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth mentoring organization providing mentorship connections and collaborative referrals for youth participants.
• Southwestern CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional planning agency supporting workforce development initiatives and regional coordination across Western North Carolina counties.
• Western Seven Counties Juvenile Crime Prevention CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-mandated council providing funding and oversight for juvenile crime prevention programs across the seven Western North Carolina counties.
• Cullowhee United Methodist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based partner providing community support, volunteer resources, and venue access for youth programs.
• Sylva First United Methodist ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based partner providing community support, volunteer resources, and venue access for youth programs.
• Sylva Community GardenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity garden partner providing service project opportunities for youth in the C.O.R.E. program.
• Cullowhee Community GardenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity garden partner providing service project opportunities for youth participants.
• Lake Logan Conference CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConference center partner providing venue and retreat facilities for youth wellness and training programs.
• Smoky Mountain River AdventuresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRafting and adventure company providing therapeutic adventure activities and experiential learning for Compass program participants.
• Dillsboro River CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRafting company partner providing outdoor adventure experiences for youth participants.
• Wildwater Nantahala RaftingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWhitewater rafting company providing adventure-based therapeutic activities for youth programs.
• The Adventure Center - AshevilleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdventure park providing experiential adventure activities and team-building opportunities for youth participants.
• ClimbmaxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClimbing and outdoor adventure company providing adventure activities for youth therapeutic programs.
• ManpowerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStaffing agency partner providing work experience opportunities and employment support for Career Connect enrolled participants.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina: Listed as an active HIGHTS partner and a youth mentoring nonprofit operating in the same Western North Carolina footprint; competes for similar donor, school district, and JCPC funding while serving overlapping at-risk youth populations.
• Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau: Operates after-school and youth development programs in the same WNC region, competing for school district contracts and youth-services grants while serving an overlapping at-risk youth population.
• Communities In Schools of North Carolina: Embeds staff inside public schools to support at-risk students — overlapping directly with HIGHTS' Inside Out crisis respite and Compass after-school model, and competing for the same NC Center for Safer Schools and school district funding.

Broad incumbents

• Youth Villages: National nonprofit providing intensive in-home and residential youth mental health and intervention services; competes with HIGHTS' trauma-informed therapy and juvenile justice diversion offerings in adjacent NC markets.
• Eckerd Connects: Operates workforce development, juvenile justice, and youth services programs across multiple states including NC, overlapping with HIGHTS' WIOA, Career Connect, and restorative justice service lines.
• National 4-H Council: National youth development organization with NC cooperative extension programming in rural counties, competing for similar donor and government youth-development funding in the same regions HIGHTS serves.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National umbrella organization supporting youth development clubs nationwide, including WNC affiliates; competes for the same school district, donor, and grant funding that supports after-school and workforce programming.

Regional players

• YMCA of Western North Carolina: Regional YMCA operating youth development, after-school, and workforce programs across WNC, serving overlapping at-risk youth populations and competing for similar corporate and foundation donor dollars.
• Mountain Projects, Inc. Community action agency serving Haywood and surrounding WNC counties with workforce, family support, and youth programming — a direct competitor for WIOA, DSS, and community foundation dollars in HIGHTS' core service area.

Others

• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County: Regional funder and convener of human-services nonprofits in WNC; competes for corporate and individual donor dollars and influences funding flows to youth-serving organizations like HIGHTS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hightsinc6498
• Facebookfacebook.com/hights.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hights-inc
• Instagraminstagram.com/hights_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HIGHTS