The New Bedford Whaling Museum's High School Apprenticeship Program assists economically disadvantaged New Bedford-area high school students to achieve success in high school and post-secondary education. The museum developed the program as a direct response to low high school graduation rates in New Bedford, one of Massachusetts' poorest cities. Throughout their three years at the museum, the 18 high school apprentices develop organizational, team-building, public speaking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning activities. The museum provides apprentices with academic tutoring, standardized test preparation, and assistance with completing financial aid and college application forms. Program participants visit a wide range of area universities, attend college fairs, complete career-related seminars and workshops and benefit from a full suite of services arranged through coordinated efforts with social service agencies and local colleges and university partners. The program has a successful track record of apprentices graduating from high school and being admitted to post-secondary school. Program staff is now focused on initiatives to encourage college retention among program alumni so that they earn a degree. Many obstacles stand in the way of college graduation for low-income students, but this museum--university partnership model helps students achieve the goals of timely graduation from college and the ability to earn a living wage.