The program was somewhat successful, resulting in decreased drop-out rates and increased the number of students on an honor roll.
[1][4] The American poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier wrote the poem "Howard at Atlanta" on the event.
[8] It provided for tutoring and other programs of mentor-ship[9] that were aimed at keeping "the Risers' minds on school, and away from the streets that can deter youth from achieving".
[11] The Philadelphia Tribune reported in 2002 that the sixth student included in the program had graduated from college, noting that they were the "last".
"[12][13] Publishers Weekly also wished for more detail on life stories but praised its presentation of TTWAR, concluding that the book was "highly recommended.